Male Face Mask (Chihongo) c. mid to late 19th century

This Chihongo mask, likely from the 19th or early 20th century, was made by the Chokwe people using wood, fiber, pigment and feathers. The mask’s features are carefully carved, painted a warm red, and framed by a meticulously crafted headdress. Notice the juxtaposition of textures: the smoothness of the face against the coarse fiber, the soft feathers contrasting with the rigid wood. The openwork backing of the mask shows the skilled labor involved in its creation. These masks are not mere decorations; they are cultural objects deeply embedded in social life. The Chokwe are known for their artistry, and this mask would have been worn in performances, embodying ancestral spirits or representing characters in stories. The craftsmanship reflects the Chokwe’s values, where the artistry of an object is as important as its function. Looking at the mask, it is clear that it is not only an object of beauty, but also an artifact imbued with meaning, skill, and cultural significance. Appreciating the materials and making of the mask allows us to look beyond the conventional boundaries of art.