Young maiden mask "mwana pwo" · D. R. Congo, Chokwe · ID: 3033377
Patrick Dierickx, Brussels, Belgium (1970’s)
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, decorating nails, metal earring, regular cut facial features, typical slit eyes and cross tattoo, handwoven coiffure of fibres, slightly dam., crack (left face half), on metal base;
“pwo”, literally meaning “woman”, is a Chokwe mask character, “mukishi”, representing 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 honor them appropriately and sufficiently. The curved 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.
Comparing literature
Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 318, ill. 169