Selected:

No.49 Ovimbundu-Chokwe (Mwana Pwo) Mask

No.49 Ovimbundu-Chokwe (Mwana Pwo) Mask

Wood, raffia, beads, metal, copper wire, pigment, cloth.

Origin: West-coast of south-central Africa (Angola)

Interesting facts: The Ovimbundu-Chokwe (Mwana Pwo) figure represents an important female ancestor. According to Chokwe belief, ancestral spirits play the crucial role of ‘providing’ for living descendants. The Chokwe people therefore created masks with the intent to honour their ancestors in order to gain protection from intruders or evil (wanga) supernatural elements. The dance routines played out by the actor, who is always a man, re-enact Chokwe myths and legends. This mask’s carving venerates the beauty and nurturing strength of women as a gateway to ancestors and the path to the prosperity of Chokwe people. The mask exhibits classic Chokwe stylistic traits such as the half-closed, almond-shaped eyes that are found within the concave eye sockets, filed teeth, and C-shaped ears. Her intricate coiffure is carved in wood as an extension of the mask. 

The collection includes several fine examples of Mwana Pwo masks.

Category: Tags: ,

Wood, raffia, beads, metal, copper wire, pigment, cloth

Origin: West-coast of south-central Africa (Angola)

 

Weight 1 kg
Dimensions 17 × 20 × 34 cm
Close Menu
×

[contact-form-7 id=”298″ title=”Contact form”]