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Chokwe Mask, Democratic Republic of The Congo 20th Century
About the Item
This exquisite mask, meticulously crafted by the Chokwe people, embodies both spiritual power and artistic finesse. Its design, rooted in tradition, carries layers of meaning that resonate through time.
Mwana Pwo: The Young Woman
The mask portrays a beautiful young woman—an archetype celebrated across cultures. Her almond-shaped eyes, partially closed, hint at inner wisdom and spiritual insight.
The red color of the wood symbolizes vitality, passion, and life force. It pulses through the mask, connecting the wearer to ancestral energies.
Her eyes seem to see beyond the mundane, into realms unseen.
Her symmetrical face reflects balance—a harmony of feminine grace and ancestral lineage.
Fertility and Ancestral Honor
The Chokwe people, part of a matrilineal society, hold women in high esteem. This mask, known as Mwana Pwo, honors young, fertile women and female ancestors.
The elaborate coiffure, meticulously carved, speaks of femininity and readiness for marriage and motherhood.
Dangling earrings sway with ancestral whispers, connecting the wearer to generations past.
The pointy lower teeth evoke both beauty and resilience—the ability to nourish life.
Spiritual Performance
Mwana Pwo dances into the community during initiations. Her presence educates, entertains, and guards sacred spaces.
As a masquerade character, she embodies the spirit of a female ancestor. Only men perform as masquerade characters, channeling ancestral wisdom.
Through Mwana Pwo, the Chokwe celebrate continuity—the thread that weaves past, present, and future.
In this mask, wood and spirit converge—a testament to the enduring legacy of Chokwe artistry. It doesn’t merely adorn; it bridges realms, whispering stories of life, lineage, and the eternal dance of creation.
Material: Wood
Height: 8 inches
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Purpose: To honor feminine beauty, fertility, and ancestral connections
- Dimensions:Height: 8 in (20.32 cm)Width: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Depth: 3 in (7.62 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Austin, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9603239610072
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Austin, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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