Maiden spirit mask "mwana pwo"

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, elaborate bonnet from raffia bast and loosely knotted cotton web, characteristic facial features with narrow slit eyes, delicate nose and teeth revealing mouth, rich scarification marks, slightly dam. (coiffure), rep. (minor breakage at the right rim), cotton cloth dam.;
“pwo”, literally meaning “woman”, is a Chokwe mask character, called “mukishi”, which represents a primordial female ancestor. The mask performs social dances to highlight the beauty, morality, and abilities (natural and supernatural) associated with women. The mask appears on different ceremonial occasions, with the “mukanda” male initiation as its primary venue. It is exclusively danced by men. Women will commonly dance alongside the character, to challenge the performer’s skill and to make sure that the steps and movements or actions honour them appropriately and sufficiently.

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