250106 - African Mwana Pwo mask from the Chokwe - Congo.

African Mwana Pwo mask from the Chokwe, Congo.
Mwana Pwo reflects all the positive qualities of an ideal woman who can serve as a Chokwe role model.
Height: 24 cm only the wood mask.

This mask is dated mid 20th century and comes with a certificate of Authenticity.

Expressive "Mwana Pwo" mask of the Chokwe ethnic group, Angola.
The mask offered here is made in the classic Chokwe style.
The face has a reddish color and a smooth surface. With the typical Chokwe cross on the forehead. Decorative scars under the eyes and on the cheeks. The earrings on both sides, metal ring and wooden bead. The forehead is darker colored with fine engraving. Center of the forehead with two metal nails. The transition to the cap is decorated with 3 buttons and a fine chain of glass beads. The hair is made of cords, textile ribbons and bamboo tubes.

This mask comes from the Chokwe people. It belongs to the famous category known as Mwana pwo and was performed during the ceremonies of circumcision and initiation of young boys. The headdress attached to the mask is well preserved. The face shows typical Chokwe carving patterns and expression.

The Chokwe are members of a large cultural cluster that now lives in central Angola, parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. This cluster consists of a number of different but related peoples, the most prominent of which are the Chokwe, but the cluster also includes the Lunda, Ovimbundu, Lwena, Luvala, Mbwela and Imbangala. As a result of the complex interaction between people, the region has shared stylistic elements and figurative forms based on shared mythologies and ritual practices. The current mask called Mwana pwo depicts a beautiful young woman and represents the female ancestor. Mwana pwo mask appears at the initiation and circumcision ceremonies of young boys (Mukanda). Mwana Pwo also dances at the induction of a new chief, at funerals and fertility rituals, and during public entertainment. During the performance, Mwana Pwo is always accompanied by male character masks such as Cihongo or Cikunza. Mwana Pwo's dancer attracts a very large audience, especially women. The grace and elegant gestures of the pwo mask teach Chokwe women to act gracefully. Mwana Pwo reflects all the positive qualities of an ideal woman who can serve as a Chokwe role model.