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African tribal mask Mwana Pwo Angola Congo cingelyengelye cross Red Clay
The surface of the mask is a rich, reddish brown color, probably obtained from a mixture of red clay and oil.
On the forehead are the triangles of the tattoo known as cingelyengelye. Originally, cingelyengelye occurred as a necklace in the form of a cross, cut from tin plate and worn by the Chokwe as an amulet. During the 17th century, Capuchin monks from the Order of Christ of Portugal had distributed medals in the form of a cross throughout Chokwe country, and this cross was probably the prototype for cingelyengelye.
Measurements:Mask with head part two ways: 12 long x 7.5" wide x 4.75" tallMask with black cingelyengelye tatto on forehead 11" long x 7.5" wide x 4.5" tall
The masks could have had a headdress, but this is the condition these have been in for the past 50 years or so.
As far as provenance I have only one name Edna M Huber of PA, she was an artist. One son, he inherited her collection(collection was donated to a church upon his passing). I have etchings made by her from the early 1930s if that bit of information is of any help to pin point year of birth. Likely german descendant.
