Face mask "vavampwevo"

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Description

wood, dark brown patina, bonnet of rotan and knotted plant fibre netting, the face framed by an abundant coiffure, slightly dam., crack, minor missing part (left eye), drilled holes around the rim partly broken, on metal base;
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.

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Comparing literature

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 391 Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 86

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