Chokwe Mwana Pwo mask
This African Chokwe mask called mwana pwo meaning "beautiful young woman" is a true masterpiece from Angola.
In the Chokwe tradition (as well as Lovale and Luena), exclusively male dancers wore female masks such as this one, accompanied by a ribbed rope costume, in order to perform mimicry intended to teach young women in the audience how to behave to seduce their future husband.
The dancers also waved rattles in their hands. This mask is the counterpart of the masculine chi hongo mask, which can be recognized by its flat chin and its wide feather headdress when it has been preserved.
This mwana pwo mask is in a superb state of preservation and of high quality: you can still find the headdress in rope encrusted with red earth.
The patina of the face is glossy dark brown with the most beautiful effect. There are scarifications under the eyes which are the allegory of the sadness of the mother who lets her newly married family go.
The mouth is open, revealing pointed teeth, which was an aesthetic fashion in Central Africa at the beginning of the 20th century.
Finally, the central cross carved on the forehead bears the name of chingelyengelye. Metal earrings are still attached to the ears.
01912
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 17 cm (face only)
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Portugal
- Condition
- Excellent
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This African Chokwe mask called mwana pwo meaning "beautiful young woman" is a true masterpiece from Angola.
In the Chokwe tradition (as well as Lovale and Luena), exclusively male dancers wore female masks such as this one, accompanied by a ribbed rope costume, in order to perform mimicry intended to teach young women in the audience how to behave to seduce their future husband.
The dancers also waved rattles in their hands. This mask is the counterpart of the masculine chi hongo mask, which can be recognized by its flat chin and its wide feather headdress when it has been preserved.
This mwana pwo mask is in a superb state of preservation and of high quality: you can still find the headdress in rope encrusted with red earth.
The patina of the face is glossy dark brown with the most beautiful effect. There are scarifications under the eyes which are the allegory of the sadness of the mother who lets her newly married family go.
The mouth is open, revealing pointed teeth, which was an aesthetic fashion in Central Africa at the beginning of the 20th century.
Finally, the central cross carved on the forehead bears the name of chingelyengelye. Metal earrings are still attached to the ears.