Female ancestor spirit mask "pwevo"

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Description

wood, plant fibre, seed capsules, glass beads, with abundant coiffure and remains of a costume (net-like knotted bonnet), base

This mask is carved in the style favored by the Luchazi and Luvale in Zambia, and represents their version of the Chokwe’s “pwo” female ancestral character, which they call “pwevo”, meaning woman.

A very similar, well-documented mask collected in a Luchazi village in northwestern Zambia, pictured at Jordán (1998), ill. 66.

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Comparing literature

Jordán, Manuel (ed.), Chokwe!, München, London, New York 1998, ill. 66

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