Mask, Chokwe, Mwana Pwo, about 1910. Wood, braided and netted raffia headdress, white beads. mask, H.7-1/4 in. Headdress H.10-1/2 x W.10-1/2 in. Masoji-scarification marks in form of tears below each eye. Tshingelyengelye-cruciform mark with circular terminations in center of forehead. Portion of earlobes missing just below where ears were pierced.

Mask, 1920-1930

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Known as pwo (woman) or mwana pwo (young woman), this type of mask is worn by men whose outfits include breasts carved in wood and fastened to their netted costume. The masks evoke female ancestors, who are responsible for guarding the community’s fertility. They are represented as beautiful women with balanced features, filed teeth, and delicate scarifications on their cheeks and forehead. This example includes an elaborate hairstyle, consisting of hundreds of strands and knots, embellished with red camwood powder.

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Details
Title
Mask
Role
Artist
Accession Number
86.16
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Mask, Chokwe, Mwana Pwo, about 1910. Wood, braided and netted raffia headdress, white beads. mask, H.7-1/4 in. Headdress H.10-1/2 x W.10-1/2 in. Masoji-scarification marks in form of tears below each eye. Tshingelyengelye-cruciform mark with circular terminations in center of forehead. Portion of earlobes missing just below where ears were pierced.