Masque Cikunza, Luvale, Angola

Collection Luis Lindao, Mexique, probablement acquis à Paris auprès de Charles Ratton
Collection Edouardo Uhart, Paris
Collection privée

Alabama, Birmingham Museum of Art, Chokwe!,1 novembre 1998 - 3 janvier 1999; Baltimore Museum of Art, 13 juin - 5 septembre 1999; The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 24 octobre 1999 - 16 janvier 2000

Jordan, Chokwe!, 1998, n° 94

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Traces of wear to the tip of the nose and on the face. Crusty patina. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Parmi les masques akishi (représentant des esprits), le monumental cikunza constitue l’élément principal utilisé par les Tshokwe et les Luvale lors des rites de passage masculins. Selon Marie-Louise Bastin (La sculpture Tshokwe, 1982, p. 83), "il symbolise l'esprit propice à la fécondité et à la chasse, et porte le nom d'une certaine sauterelle. C'est une création extraordinairement réussie, mêlant intimement les éléments anthropomorphes et zoomorphes. Sa coiffure conique de plus d'un mètre de haut représente une corne d'antilope-cheval; les saillies cornées sont figurées par des anneaux étagés de grandeur décroissante".  Réalisés à partir d'une armature de branchages, de résine et d'écorce battue, les masques Cikunza sont rares mais leur image protectrice orne de nombreux sifflets et chaises Tchokwe.