Chokwe or Luvale Chisaluke mask, Zambia/Angola
pitch, fibers, wood, animal hide, felt/cloth
10" tall (mask only), 12" wide, 10" deep
ex private collection, California
*Stand in photos is for display purposes only.
This rare mask from early to mid 20th century has been fairly well preserved. There is
some minor loss to the pitch, leather and felt that cover the wooden form of the mask. The
three protruding lumps on the top of the forehead are interpreted as "wrinkles". The teeth
are inset leather and the rim of the mask is made of plant fibers. The mask and burlap
hood, also covered in pitch, were once attached to a hand-woven costume that would have
covered the neck and the rest of the body. The wearer often carried a large walking stick
as well.
$2500
"This mask represents Chisaluke, a male ancestral spirit that appears towards the end of
the mukanda male initiation to review and refine the dancing skills of the initiates. Each
initiate may have his own Chisaluke serving as his own tutelary spirit. Chisaluke is
received in the village by women as a heroic character. In some initiations Chisaluke jumps
over the seated initiates to conclude the mukanda-related events."
From the book - "CHOKWE - Art and Initiation Among Chokwe and Related Peoples" by
Manuel Jordan
Additional information on Chisaluke masks can be found in the book on pages 72 - 73.
Examples of Chisaluke masks can be found on page 74 and Plate 96.
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