The Chokwe people's history dates to the 15th century, founding several kingdoms across the land, but ultimately settling in Angola. They are vigorous and courageous hunters and agriculturists, reflecting this dynamic spirit in their vivid. These wooden masks are the most powerful and important to the Chokwe, known as Chikunga. Highly charged with power and considered sacred, Chikunga masks are used during investiture ceremonies of a chief and sacrifices to the ancestors. These elaborate masks are made of barkcloth stretched over an armature of wickerwork, covered over with brown and black resin, and painted with white designs. Long, thick rope juts out to form hair, bringing these masks to life. Only the current chief of a group wears Chikunga, enhancing the godlike caliber of this mask.