MASK Mwana Pwo

Culture Chokwe, Democratic Republic of Congo

First half of the 20th century

Wood and upholstery nails

H.: 20; L.: 17.5 cm

(slight old accident)

Facial mask in monoxyl wood with a slightly crusty and shiny patina, oval in shape and tapering on the chin part. The latter presents a mouth with thin lips, slightly parted on small pointed teeth and upholstery nails at the level of the dimples and the tip of the chin.

Its short, thin nose extends into two eyebrow arches forming two crescent moons and separated by an upholstery nail; his eyes are almond-shaped, very finely openworked horizontally.

Its C-shaped ears are pierced at the lobes, its forehead is decorated with the traditional cross scarification, a frieze of upholstery nails and its cheeks are marked with vertical scarifications reminiscent of tears.

The entire circumference of the mask is pierced.

Pwo or Mwana Pwo face masks – translation of woman or young woman, dance during fertility rites and refer to the female ancestor of matrilineal societies.