Masque esprit d´ancêtre féminin "mwana pwo"

Description

wood, plant fibre, base

This mask type appears to honour female founding ancestors. Such representations are especially significant given that the Chokwe trace descent through their mothers’ lines.

“Pwo” appears with her male counterpart “cihongo”. Their joint performance is said to bring fertility and prosperity to the community.

“Pwo” masks are often performed at the celebrations that mark the completion of boys initiation into adulthood. That occasion also marks the dissolution of the bonds of intimacy between mothers and their sons.