Intended to be worn by an initiate of higher rank, this African mask represents the female ancestor mwana pwo. It extends here with a very unusual flat and circular headdress. Height on oak base (black color on request): 34 cm. In eastern Angola, African Chokwe pwo masks, among the numerous akishi masks (sing: mukishi, indicating power) of African Chokwe art, embody an ideal of beauty, Mwana Pwo, or the Pwo woman and appear today during festive ceremonies. Joined to their male counterparts, chihongo recognizable by their large tray-shaped headdress, the pwo are supposed to bring fertility and prosperity to the community. The characteristic patterns present on the forehead, and sometimes on the cheekbones, are part of the Chokwe aesthetic canons but also served as public markers of ethnic identity. (source: Chokwe, B. Wastiau)
175.00 € Possibility of payment in 2x (2x 87.5 €) This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
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