Mask "mwana phwevo" ·  Angola, Luena · ID: 3042608

Description

wood, brown patina, abundant coiffure from plant fibre cord, bead earring, remains of a costume from knotted plant fibre, min. dam., slight traces of usage, base.
Various ethnical groups in the area of the upper Sambesi and the southern Kasai area use the “mwana phwevo” mask type. Its name, “young woman” refers to a mythological female person, who died young, and whose painful loss should be recalled by the masquerade. The masks were danced by men and appear on various festive occasions in order to amuse the village people, especially women, with their charming dances.

Comparing literature

Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 86