Zemanek-Münster

Young maiden mask "mwana pwo" ·  D. R. Congo, Chokwe · ID: 3043626

sold EUR 6,600
Provenance
Valluet-Ferrandin, Paris, France (2001)
Size
H: 30 cm
H: 11.8 inch

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, plant fibre, red pigment, remains of net-like costume, metal earring (right one missing), collection number “2954” backside, min. dam., paint rubbed off in parts, base.
The elaborate coiffure on this mask takes the form of the mud-packed wigs that were favoured by Chokwe women. The facial scarification marks below the eyes represent tears, which may refer to the anguish mothers feel when they are ritually separated from their sons during “mukanda” initiation.
Pwo", literally meaning “woman”, is a Chokwe mask character, representing a primordial female ancestor. The mask performs social dances to highlight the beauty, morality, and abilities 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.


The object Young maiden mask “mwana pwo” with the object ID 3043626 was last part of the auction 88th Tribal Art Auction at March 10, 2018 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 390 achieved a sales price of EUR 6,600.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.


Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 318 f.


Publications

Hasselt, Primitive Art, Wittepoppentoren 1971, nr. 1; 4e Valluet-Ferrandin, Salon International d'Art Tribal, Paris, 2001, p. 53

AHDRC: 0000949


Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 10,000 tribal art collectors. Don't miss out on upcoming news and auctions.

Subscribe today