Rare Angola Mask at BOZAR

The rare mask from Angola is at display at BOZAR, Brussels, among the artefacts of the IncarNations exhibition. The “Chihongo” masculine mask, meaning a spirit of wealth, belong to tradition of Chokwe people of Angola, used to honour the male ancestors, believed to have power to bestow prosperity to the worshipers.

The missing Chokwe mask has been recovered and added to the exhibition 'incarNations'!

More at https://t.co/mzACFbMAWJ #exhibition #expoIncarNations #africanart #bozar pic.twitter.com/bPC309DLKS

— BozarBrussels (@BozarBrussels) July 23, 2019

The type of masks are traditionally associated with the ancient rituals of the Mukanda school, devoted to young boys passing to manhood.

"The foundation’s researchers have identified around 60 of pieces missing from the Dundo Museum and around 16 have been returned so far, he says. Dokolo is also seeking to raise domestic awareness about the importance of Angolan heritage" @TheArtNewspaper https://t.co/glEXrwZJbI

— Art Loss Register (@artlossregister) June 7, 2018

The mask went missing from Dundo Regional Museum, Angola, during the civil war (1975-2002). The story of the quest to find the mask, presumed stolen, began two years ago, and has been concluded successfully – the artefact has been found, and will be returned to the Angolan authorities.

The Sindika Dokolo Foundation helped Angola recover artifacts looted from the Dundo Museum during the country’s civil war. Researchers have identified around 60 pieces missing from the Museum with 16 returned so far. @sindika_dokolo #CombatLooting https://t.co/NudG0oy3zQ

— Antiquities Coalition (@CombatLooting) June 7, 2018

Before it is sent back to Angola, it is at display at the Centre for Fine Arts as part of the IncarNations exhibition.

Project Dundo @BOZARbrussels, initiated by Sindika Dokolo with the goal of locating artworks that disappeared from the Dundo Museum and returning them to their country of origin. 13 objects have already been returned to Angola.
Autumn issue of @Tribal Art magazine #93 pic.twitter.com/BG8YctcWXA

— Tribal Art magazine (@TribalArtMag) September 2, 2019

The exhibition includes a space devoted to the narrative of ongoing recovery project of the Dundo Museum, where the rare mask is integrated and open to public until the 6th of October.