The Chokwe people influenced the
art of many neighboring peoples, including the Mbunda, Lovale and
Mbangani tribes. The most powerful and important Chokwe mask is known as
Chikunga. Highly charged with power and considered sacred, chikunga is
used during investiture ceremonies of a chief and sacrifices to the
ancestors.
Chikunga masks are made of bark
cloth stretched over armature of wickerwork, covered over with black
resin and painted with red and white designs. Only the current chief of
a group wears chikunga - to read more click
here.