Zemanek-Münster

Mask "mwana pwo"

D. R. Congo, Chokwe
sold EUR 2,700
Provenance
Pierre Dartevelle, Brussels, Belgium
Size
H: 18,5 cm
H: 7.3 inch

Description

wood, shiny reddish brown patina, black paint, of oval form with tribe-typical facial features and scarification marks, pierced around the rim, slight traces of abrasion, metal base;
depicting a female ancestor, whereupon the Chokwe distinguish two characters: “pwo”, a mature, adult woman and “mwana pwo”, the younger female. Masks with few scarification details are more often said to represent the younger character.


Comparing literature

Wastiau, Boris, Visions of Africa: Chokwe, Mailand 2006, pl. 64

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