Vintage/Antique African Chokwe Tribal Mask possibly from Angola or Congo For Sale

For Sale is aVintage/Antique African Chokwe Tribal Mask possibly from Angola or Congo.
Previously owned in Very Good Vintage/Antique condition. The light colored wood has a beautiful aged dark patina that adds charm to this interesting carved mask. Review pictures for item condition.
FYI -The Chokwe (or Cokwe) area Bantu-speaking ethnic group primarily inhabiting northeaster Angola, the southern Democratic Republic of Congo, and northwestern Zambia.Renowned as skilled woodcarvers and traders, they historically formed a powerful empire derived from the Lunda Empire. They are known for complex masks (cikunza,pwo), matrilineal social structure, and farming.
Key Details About the Chokwe People:

• Location:They inhabit the savanna woodlands of northeastern Angola and the southern Democratic Republic of Congo, with smaller populations in Zambia.
• Art and Culture:The Chokwe are celebrated for their highly detailed artistry, particularly wood carving,, including masks (cikunzafor initiation,pwofor female ancestors), stools, and ceremonial items.
• Social Structure:They traditionally have a matrilineal society, where descent is traced through the female line.
• History:Originating from the Lunda Empire, the Chokwe established their own influential kingdom in the 19th century based on the ivory and rubber trade. They were known for resisting early European colonial, particularly Portuguese, incursions.
• Religion and Traditions:While many are now Christian, traditional beliefs in ancestral spirits and the creator godKalungaremain. Themukandais a vital, extensive initiation ritual for boys, involving isolation and training.
• Language:The Chokwe language is a Bantu language spoken across their territory in Angola and the Congo.

The Chokwe are sometimes referred to by other names, such as Kioko, Bajokwe, or class=\"MsoNormal\">Pleaseuse the zoom and look at all of the detail in the pictures for condition beforeyou buy.

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