TSHOKWE, Democratic Republic of Congo. Hardwood, reddish-brown patina, feathers, copper, cowrie shells, rattan, plant fibres. Spectacular 'Tshihongo/Cihongo' mask representing a powerful and venerable male spirit. A symbol of wealth, the Cihongo was danced only by the chief, his son or his nephew during the male initiations known as 'mukanda'. The Cihongo is a representation of a masculine face that is both peaceful and powerful, recognisable by its plateau chin, its wide, fan-shaped headdress made up of quilted feathers and the net of the costume used to conceal the dancer. The facial features are sculpted with rigour and refinement, the superciliary arches elegantly defining the eye sockets, and the eyes are half-closed, stretched horizontally to give the face an expression of deep introspection. The long, straight nose slopes down to a half-open mouth with finely pointed teeth, which was the aesthetic fashion in the region at the beginning of the 20th century . 46x37 cm. (wear).