Description: Chokwe Mwana Pwo Mask with Headdress Congo Brand Unbranded Type of Object Mask Country of Origin Democractic Republic of Congo, or Angola People Chokwe Materials Wood, vegetal fibers, cotton Approximate Age 20th century Height (in) 10 Width (in) 7 Depth (in) 5 Other Dimensions 17 inch length with Hair Overall Condition Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. This mask comes from the Chokwe. It belongs to the famous category known as Mwana pwo and had 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 scarificaction patterns and expression. The Chokwe are members of a large culture cluster living today in central Angola, parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Zambia. This cluster is composed of a number of distinct 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 of people the region has shared stylistic elements and figural forms based upon shared mythologies and ritual practices. The present 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 with male character masks such as Cihongo or Cikunza. The dancer of Mwana Pwo attracts a very large audience, especially women. The grace and elegant gestures of the pwo mask teach Chokwe women to act in a graceful manner. Mwana Pwo reflects all the positive attributes of an ideal woman who can serve as a Chokwe role model. **139333** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2023 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. 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Price: 240 USD
Location: Denver, CO
End Time: 2024-09-26T19:41:40.000Z
Shipping Cost: 20.98 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Return policy details:
Age Level: 20th Century
Brand: sku 139000
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Item Height: 10.0
Item Length: 5.0
Item Width: 7.0
Maker: Chokwe Artisan
Material: Wood
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Original/Reproduction: Original
Style: None
Tribe: Chokwe
Type: Mask
author: None