Face mask "vavampwevo" ·  Zambia, Luchazi · ID: 3034517

Description

wood, red and black paint, elaborate coiffure made from plaited plant fibres and thin rubber stripes, decorated with coloured strings of glass beads, pierced around the rim, metal 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

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, München 2009, p. 391