This type of ciwamo (chair) is inspired by late-18th- and 19th-century Portuguese chairs. Ciwamo were decorated with more or less complex motifs on the crosspieces and the backrest. Here, a cihongo/tshihongo mask is depicted on the frontal crosspiece. That is not a neutral choice, because the mask is the personification of a powerful and benevolent spirit that is close to power. The mask was worn by the chief himself, or by one of his sons.