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X2002.33.12 Mask
Object Name: Mask
Artist: Katoyo or Chindele (foreigner)
Cultural Group: Ngangela or Mbunda peoples
Place of Origin: Angola or Zambia
Date/Era: Late 19th-20th century
Dimensions: H: 37.0 cm, W: 23.0 cm, D: 12.0 cm (H: 14.6 in, W: 9.1 in, D: 4.7 in)
Medium/Materials: Wood, rubber, cordage, beads, hair
Credit Line: Museum purchase with funds provided by Jay T. Last.
Accession Number: X2002.33.12
This Katoyo or Chindele character with its rectangular face is representative of masks documented in southeastern Angola among Ngangela peoples and their neighbors. What initially might appear to be incised arched eyebrows are actually forehead wrinkles, a typical Mbunda stylistic convention used to impart expressivity to mask characters. In this case, the abundant, straight hair recalls that of some Europeans or foreigners. The tufts of facial hair on either side of the mouth are intended as a mustache.
