
Description
Authentic Chokwe mask from DR Congo with beautiful patina and in good condition with traces of wear and tear.
The Chokwe who spread from their homeland of Angola throughout the southern region of the DRC, have influenced the art of many neighboring peoples, including the Lunda, Mbunda, Mbangani and some others. The Chokwe use three types of masks. These are the sacred masks, initiation masks and dance masks. The last group includes a female mask, or pwo, and her male counterpart, or cihongo, who symbolizes power. The male mask differs from the female in terms of its broad mouth and horizontally protruding beard. The Pwo mask symbolizes the ideal mother and woman. It has facial scarifications and is believed to spread fertility wherever it is presented. Provenance: former private German collection.
Object:
Mask
Ethnic group:
Chokwe
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
21x21x20 cm
Weight:
650 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $140.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from The Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
The Chokwe who spread from their homeland of Angola throughout the southern region of the DRC, have influenced the art of many neighboring peoples, including the Lunda, Mbunda, Mbangani and some others. The Chokwe use three types of masks. These are the sacred masks, initiation masks and dance masks. The last group includes a female mask, or pwo, and her male counterpart, or cihongo, who symbolizes power. The male mask differs from the female in terms of its broad mouth and horizontally protruding beard. The Pwo mask symbolizes the ideal mother and woman. It has facial scarifications and is believed to spread fertility wherever it is presented. Provenance: former private German collection.
Object:
Mask
Ethnic group:
Chokwe
Country:
DR Congo
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
21x21x20 cm
Weight:
650 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $140.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Mask – Wood – Chokwe – Congo DRC
Estimate $150-$200
Bidding starts
Coming Soon
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Decorative Tribal Art Sale
Feb 26, 2026 1:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
TOP



























