Gorgeous Chokwe Pwo Mask 8″ – DR Congo – African Art

$295.00

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This mask was created in the style of the Chokwe people of DRC/Angola. The mask features a female face with typical scarification. Her hair is made of twisted fabric and there is vegetable fiber netting attached to the back. The mask measures 8 inches tall and weighs 1.5 pounds. Some of the netting is torn and there is some scuffing and imperfections throughout – please see photos. Stand not included.

Type of Object

Face Mask

Country of Origin

Angola, DR Congo

Ethnicity

Chokwe

Material

Wood, pigment, vegetable fiber and fabric

Approximate Age

Unknown

Height

8"

Width

7"

Depth

8.5"

Weight

1.5 lbs

Overall Condition

Torn netting, scuffing and wear and tear

Additional Information

Pwo Mask

Tribe Information

About the Chokwe People

The Chokwe, with an estimated population of 1.3 million people, inhabit areas in Angola, DRC and Zambia. They are known by many names throughout the world, upwards of 30 different variations, all deriving from the name in which they call themselves, Kocokwe. Chokwe government is headed by a king called Mwana Ngana, with male and female societies regulating all aspects of life.

Read more about the Chokwe here.

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Additional Information

About the Pwo Mask

Pwo masks are representations of female ancestors who are worthy of honoring. She is danced in tandem with Cihongo, her male counterpart during initiation ceremonies and other prestigious events. Together, they embody the ideal beauty and are meant to bring fertility and prosperity to the community. Pwo illustrates the glory and saddness a mother feels when her son completes the initiation process into adulthood, shown by the scarification marks on her cheeks.