Art Institute of Chicago

Male Face Mask (Chihongo)

Chokwe

Date

Mid–late 19th century

Medium

Wood, raffia, burlap, turaco feathers, guinea fowl feathers, and pigment

Culture

Angola

Department

Arts of Africa

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

The Chokwe use masquerades to engage with their ancestors, encouraging them to guide, protect, and educate the living. Chihongo is the male equivalent of the female mwana pwo mask. The male mask’s feathered headdress, red coloring, scarification patterns, stylized beard, and filed teeth evoke wisdom, leadership, and status. While both mask characters partake in performances during male initiation rites, chihongo appears at other events where a chief’s affirmation is desired.

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