Superb Chokwe Male Ancestor Chihongo Mask – Congo/CRC Africa African figure

Description

Fine Chokwe Male Ancestor Chihongo Mask – Congo/CRC
Purchased in 2013 from a Paris dealer. Here is their description at that time:
“This is a beautiful antique Chokwe mask from the Kasai region in Southern DRC. The Chokwe is a large tribe spread over Southern DRC, Angola and Zambia. It is known for sculptures, which include both court art and masks. Masks usually represent spirits and can be classified into three categories: Chief masks, initiation masks, and dance masks. Most famous are the Chihongo (male) and  Pwo (female) ancestor figures. The piece her is a Chihongo mask. It shows a large, rounded forehead, with a crest appendix on the top, an elongated face with sharply cut cheeks and a thin nose (the Nose has a hole cut through – which was used to place a small piece of wood). The forehead has a cross scarification and the cheeks show linear scarification motives, which represent tears. The mouth is large, oval in shape, with pointy carved teeth. And the bottom of the mask shows a protruding beard. This mask is made of hard wood, with a brownish patina and remains of red, earthy pigment. This is an impressive, very finely carved mask, with a nice expression, and specifics, in particular the integration of a crest – a feature symbolizing power commonly found in Chokwe sculpture although more rarely in the form of a mask.”
Size:
Stand not included,
All my auctions are starting at .99 and no reserve. I have spent a great deal of money on my collection over the years, will see if I break even.
I am a private collector, and have acquired too much, my loss is your gain. I am not a professional in the tribal art field, so all items are sold “in the style of” per eBay policies.
I am using the eBay shipping calculator. Any charge over actual cost will be returned to the buyer. I am not responsible for any fees, duties or import tax imposed by your home country.
On Jan-27-23 at 08:13:04 PST, seller added the following information:
Size: 11" tall (28cm), 8" wide, 6" deep