Chokwe Pwo beauty mask
Aesthetic Considerations in African Chokwe Art
The pwo or mwana pwo mask celebrates female beauty. This African Tshokwe mask depicting a young woman was only worn by a man who, during mumbanda dances, performed elegant and delicate movements, aimed at teaching a graceful gait to the women in the audience.
The mask that I offer you here presents a very balanced face with a high forehead. Unlike the copies bearing scarifications, here the sculptor has gone to the essential: the aesthetics of the face with only the details of the sculpted cap and the half-open mouth presenting beautiful cut teeth. The glossy patina is the most beautiful effect. The cord knot headdress is still perfectly preserved.
See some background photos featuring young Chokwe or ethnic subgroup women, and rare photos of dancers wearing pwo costumes and masks. This piece worthy of the masterpieces of the Dundo Museum famous for its unique collection of objects from Angola will delight fans.
01623
Data sheet
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, rope
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
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Aesthetic Considerations in African Chokwe Art
The pwo or mwana pwo mask celebrates female beauty. This African Tshokwe mask depicting a young woman was only worn by a man who, during mumbanda dances, performed elegant and delicate movements, aimed at teaching a graceful gait to the women in the audience.
The mask that I offer you here presents a very balanced face with a high forehead. Unlike the copies bearing scarifications, here the sculptor has gone to the essential: the aesthetics of the face with only the details of the sculpted cap and the half-open mouth presenting beautiful cut teeth. The glossy patina is the most beautiful effect. The cord knot headdress is still perfectly preserved.
See some background photos featuring young Chokwe or ethnic subgroup women, and rare photos of dancers wearing pwo costumes and masks. This piece worthy of the masterpieces of the Dundo Museum famous for its unique collection of objects from Angola will delight fans.