Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A carved wood Chokwe female mask (Mwana Pwo), Angola with beads and wool.
Creator: Chokwe Tribe, Angola, Africa.
Date of manufacture: Unknown.
Materials and techniques: Carved wood, beads, wool.
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. One earring is missing.
Dimensions: H 11 in., W 8 in., D 3.5 in.
History
The Chokwe people, known by many other names (including Kioko, Bajokwe, Chibokwe, Kibokwe, Ciokwe, Cokweor Badjok), are an ethnic group of Central and South Africa.
The Mwana Pwo (young woman) mask represents the female ancestor of the Chokwe people. It embodies ideal feminine beauty and records traditional Chokwe facial scarification patterns. The Mwana Pwo mask is always worn by a man who is disguised as a woman with a bodysuit, false breasts and a cotton skirt. In dances performed for the ruler and the entire Community, Mwana Pwo is sometimes accompanied by the male ancestor mask...
Category
20th Century Tribal Angolan Folk Art
MaterialsBeads, Wool, Wood