Often depicting beautiful young women, this pwo mask indicates here, thanks to the bone structure, that it is an older woman. Always worn by initiates of higher rank, these African masks embodying a female ancestor were often adorned with buttons and accessories of European origin. Devoid of any accessories, this example is coated with a relatively matte velvety patina. Small crashes. Height on base: 34 cm. Peacefully settled in eastern Angola until the 16th century, the Chokwé were then subjected to the Lunda empire from which they inherited a new hierarchical system and the sacredness of power. African Chokwe pwo masks, among the many akishi (sing: mukishi, indicating power) masks of African Chokwe art, embody an ideal of beauty, Mwana Pwo, or the woman Pwo and appear nowadays during festive ceremonies. Joined to their male counterparts, chihongo recognizable by their large plate-shaped headdress, the pwo are believed to bring fertility and prosperity to the community. The cultural logic of these two icons developed during the pre-colonial period continues to inspire artists from North-East Angola today. (source: Chokwe, B. Wastiau)
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