Mwana Pwo Mask, Tckokwe / Chokwe People, Drc

Mask representing a female face exuding great strength and beautiful expressiveness. The expression is reinforced by the half-open mouth revealing pointed teeth. The face is decorated with scarifications and the forehead bears the classic Tchokwe cross. The ears are pierced and had to wear earrings. The mask has retained its raffia headdress and its beaded ornaments. This type of mask with a female face is called "Mwana Pwo". They are the most important among the Batchokwe. They evoke an ancestral spirit and constitute a representation of the ideal young girl. They also symbolize the primordial role of women in this matrilineal society, she is the pillar of society, the guardian of fire and earth. Tchokwe people, Democratic Republic of Congo
Wood, pigments, raffia, beads. Slight loss on the inside of the chin, weakened headdress.
Height: 24 cm
Circa 1950
Provenance: Ex Belgian Collection,
Acquired from the descendants of André Van Noten, entrepreneur who joined the Belgian Congo between 1930 and 1960.
Sold with its base