Tschokwe mask
Tshokwe african art
Masks are plentiful in African art Chokwe. They are mostly linked to the Mukanda association, one of whose prerogatives is circumcision at the end of an initiation, and the maintenance of social order. The Mukanda is not a specific association for the Chokwe, however. Indeed, it also exists in close cultures such as Lunda, Luena, Lovale and even Suku and Yaka. The Chokwe territory extends from the southern being of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a significant region of northern Angola. Stylistic variations exist depending on the region.
The main difference between the Mukanda of the Chokwe and others, and that of the Yaka and Suku is that in Chokwe culture and art it is practiced today, unlike the Yaka and Suku societies which have abandoned it.
Experts in ethnographic arts often use the generic terms "Pwo" and Cihongo "to refer to African Chokwe masks whether they are sometimes female, sometimes male. There are, however, very many subcategories of these masks. As an example, female masks can already be divided according to whether they represent a young woman, or a more mature woman. The "makishi", which is translated by "mask" generically in these ethnic groups, are composed of a wooden face but also an important feather headdress, in fabric soaked in hardened materials, or braided. At the time of the great harvests of these masks, mainly in the 1930s, European colonists were often satisfied to collect the wooden facies because it was not possible to keep the imposing and sometimes fragile caps, so it is not always easy to identify these masks.
This is presumably a mask of the male group with his narrow, elongated face. There are very beautiful and fine scarifications and the beginning of a domed cap decorated with streaks. These represent the wisdom of the old man. No element is fortuitous in the sculpture of these masks.
00000
Data sheet
- Size
- 26 x 16 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, rope
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Tshokwe african art
Masks are plentiful in African art Chokwe. They are mostly linked to the Mukanda association, one of whose prerogatives is circumcision at the end of an initiation, and the maintenance of social order. The Mukanda is not a specific association for the Chokwe, however. Indeed, it also exists in close cultures such as Lunda, Luena, Lovale and even Suku and Yaka. The Chokwe territory extends from the southern being of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to a significant region of northern Angola. Stylistic variations exist depending on the region.
The main difference between the Mukanda of the Chokwe and others, and that of the Yaka and Suku is that in Chokwe culture and art it is practiced today, unlike the Yaka and Suku societies which have abandoned it.
Experts in ethnographic arts often use the generic terms "Pwo" and Cihongo "to refer to African Chokwe masks whether they are sometimes female, sometimes male. There are, however, very many subcategories of these masks. As an example, female masks can already be divided according to whether they represent a young woman, or a more mature woman. The "makishi", which is translated by "mask" generically in these ethnic groups, are composed of a wooden face but also an important feather headdress, in fabric soaked in hardened materials, or braided. At the time of the great harvests of these masks, mainly in the 1930s, European colonists were often satisfied to collect the wooden facies because it was not possible to keep the imposing and sometimes fragile caps, so it is not always easy to identify these masks.
This is presumably a mask of the male group with his narrow, elongated face. There are very beautiful and fine scarifications and the beginning of a domed cap decorated with streaks. These represent the wisdom of the old man. No element is fortuitous in the sculpture of these masks.