Mask Representing an Ancestor (Kalelwa)

Chokwe people, Angola, or Democratic Republic of the Congo, African

  • Titles Mask Representing an Ancestor (Kalelwa) (Descriptive)
  • Medium wood, pigments, fiber, cloth
  • Dimensions 32 x 22 x 20 in. (81.3 x 55.9 x 50.8 cm)
  • Credit Line Museum purchase with funds provided by the general acquisition fund, 1998.5
  • Work Type mask
  • Classification Costume

See More of the Collection

Doll, Groblersdal, Ndebele people, Transvaal, South Africa, African, straw, glass bead, textile, yarn
Large round jar with foot, narrows slightly toward the bottom. Raised ridge around widest portion of vessel. Shoulder decorated with groups of angled and curved parallel incised lines; bottom half with incised geometric patterns. Reddish color with fire clouds.
Helmet mask with janus face on helmet, surmounted by equestrian figure hunter/warrior figure positioned on circular platform.
Wide, black vessel has narrower vertical cylindrical neck; body has crown motifs made from impressed points and neck has impressed points forming triangles.