Pretty woman Pwo mask - Chokwe - SOLD OUT
The mask of beautiful woman in African art
Worn by a man who mimics women's dance and teaches them the grace of manners. The traditional "Pwo" mask of the female ancestor is always worn by men who transform them into powerful beings. Their exhibition before the village assembly has a magical character: they bring prosperity and fruitfulness. But, mastered by wizards, they can become evil "wanga".
The acquisition of a mask is a kind of mystical marriage. The dancer gives the sculptor a copper ring, symbolic price of the "bride". This marriage imposes moral and ritual obligations; to break them entails the wrath of the spirit of the ancestor and the punishments attributed to his magic. After the death of the dancer, the mask is often buried as a result of superstitious fear. It is buried in an isolated and marshy place. A bracelet signifying the return of the "dowry" is placed near the mask.
The dancer also buries a mask that can no longer serve.
Origin : private collection, NetherlandsDating : 1960'sSize : 30 x 20 cmMaterials : wood, rope
00214
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
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The mask of beautiful woman in African art
Worn by a man who mimics women's dance and teaches them the grace of manners. The traditional "Pwo" mask of the female ancestor is always worn by men who transform them into powerful beings. Their exhibition before the village assembly has a magical character: they bring prosperity and fruitfulness. But, mastered by wizards, they can become evil "wanga".
The acquisition of a mask is a kind of mystical marriage. The dancer gives the sculptor a copper ring, symbolic price of the "bride". This marriage imposes moral and ritual obligations; to break them entails the wrath of the spirit of the ancestor and the punishments attributed to his magic. After the death of the dancer, the mask is often buried as a result of superstitious fear. It is buried in an isolated and marshy place. A bracelet signifying the return of the "dowry" is placed near the mask.
The dancer also buries a mask that can no longer serve.
Origin : private collection, NetherlandsDating : 1960'sSize : 30 x 20 cmMaterials : wood, rope