Central Africa, Angola, Zambia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chokwe peoples, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fine example of a hand-carved wooden face mask known as a Mwana Pwo with stylized physiognomy and a coiffure comprised of incised rows of triangular motifs topped by plaited/woven raffia. The intricate visage presents with bulging ovoid eyes slit between the upper and lower lids, high-arching brows, a slender nose between angular cheekbones, cup-shaped ears, an open mouth with two rows of carved sharp, filed teeth, and incised scarification marks adorning the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 7.5" W x 10" H (19 cm x 25.4 cm)
This mask likely symbolizes the figure of Mwana Pwo, an archetypal female ancestor, socially significant particularly because the Chokwe trace their ancestry through their maternal lines. The scars on the face are an indicator of beauty as well as ethnic identity. Masks from this culture are often used at initiation rites to welcome people into the adult world.
Provenance: Collected with late husband Edward. S. Ross, with the California Academy of Sciences collected 1970s and 1980s
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#157916
Condition
Intact with nice old patina. Textile section with a few minor areas unraveled.