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No.46 Chokwe "Mwana Pwo" Mask

No.46 Chokwe “Mwana Pwo” Mask

Wood,  raffia

Origin: Southern Africa (Angola region)

Interesting facts: This mask represents a woman adorned with tattoos and raffia. The mask evokes the female ancestors, who are responsible for guarding the community’s fertility. They are represented as beautiful women with balanced features, filed teeth, and delicate scarifications on their cheeks and forehead. This mask is traditionally worn by males during the Chowke pwo dance – which is done to honour the founding female ancestor of the lineage. Carved on the forehead of this piece is the ‘Cingelyengelye’ tribal mark (similar in design to the ‘Maltese cross’  representing the Chokwe creator god, Nzambi). Originally, the Cingelyengelye mark occurred as a necklace in the form of a cross, cut from tin plate and worn by the Chokwe as an amulet. Under the eyes are tattoos known as masoji, signifying tears. Kangongo scarification is further demonstrated with a line carved down the nose. The mask further has Kapile scarification (patterns on the chin).  The detailed carvings and scarification on this mask reveal the deep corporeal connection the Chokwe people have to their spiritually.

 

The collection includes several fine examples of Mwana Pwo masks.

 

Category: Tags: ,

Wood,  raffia

Origin: Southern Africa (Angola region)

 

Weight 0.3 kg
Dimensions 19 × 14 × 12 cm
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