Mask "mwana pwo"

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Description

wood, pigment, metal pins,

For a mask by the same artist, see AHDRC 0000931.

The “mwana pwo” - mask represents a female ancestor, but is danced exclusively by men. The mask appears at different ceremonial occasions, with the “mukanda” male initiation as its primary venue.

The carved scars below the eyes are particularly meaningful; they represent tears, “masoji”, that reflect the suffering mothers endure when their boys go into “mukanda” to become adults.

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Comparing literature

Wastiau, Boris, Visions of Africa, Chokwe, Milan 2006, pl. 58

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