Young maiden mask "mwana pwo" · Angola, Chokwe · ID: 3047263
not available anymore
Provenance
Bren Heymans, Antwerp, BelgiumBelgian Private Collection
Size
H: 22,5 cm
H: 8.9 inch
Description
wood, red pigment, base
The “mwana pwo” - mask represents a primordial female ancestor. It 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.
Publications
AHDRC: 0129113
Exhibition
Tribal Art Fair, Amsterdam, 2015