African Arts Gallery

This large African maskof male type is said to be a variant of the mask of the royal ancestor Sachihongo worn by the circumcised young people of the Mukanda society at the end of their initiation of a period of of several months. In Zambia, mask traditions include a series of specific masks distinguished by their character, demeanor and physiognomy. Among the Chokwe, Luvale, Lunda, Luchasi and Mbunda of Zambia they are called makishi, (sing. likishi), while in Angola and D.R.C. they are known as makishi (sing. mukishi). The sculptor will not name the mask and its costume as such, but rather "the head", and the "body" to define the masked entity. The dancer, then embodying the ancestral spirit, will not be held responsible for his actions during the masked demonstrations. The likishi Sachihongo represents virility, power, prosperity and fertility.
Orange-brown matte patina, abrasions.