The mask belongs to the Dundo Regional Museum in Angola and went missing during the civil war (1975-2002).

The story of the quest to find the stolen mask began two years ago, and has today reached a happy ending: the mask will be returned to the Angolan authorities. Before it is sent back to Angola, it can be seen at the Centre for Fine Arts as part of the IncarNations exhibition.

The exhibition includes a room on the ongoing recovery project around the Dundo Regional Museum, where a recently rediscovered flywhisk was put on display. The mask has been added to the room and remains on display until the end of the exhibition (6 October).

This is a ‘Chihongo’ mask, from the Chokwe people of Angola. Masks of this type are traditionally associated with the mukanda initiation ceremonies.