Face mask "mwana phwevo"

Description

wood, red and black paint, decoration nails, separately worked teeth, elaborate coiffure made from plaited plant fibres, decorated with coloured strings of glass beads, net bonnet, pierced around the rim, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, wooden socle;
the artistic expression of the Luchazi are similar to those of the Luena. Their masks can be divided into two main categories: “makisi vavamala” (masks of the men) and “makisi vavampwevo” (masks of the women). The name of the mask “young woman” (“pwevo) refers to a mythic person, who died young and whose bereavement was recalled by dancing this type of mask. The masks were danced by men for entertainment and appeared on various festive occasions.

Comparing literature