Mwana Pwo Ethnic Chokwe Angola mask

The “Mwana Pwo” mask or mask of the young represents the female ancestor of the people, famous for her beauty; her appearance in village meetings brings prosperity and fertility.

It appears at the initiation and circumcision ceremonies of young boys (Mukanda). Mwana Pwo also dances at the election of a new chief, at funerals and fertility rituals, and during public entertainment.

The face is marked by ritual scarifications, on the forehead is engraved a sign the “Kalunga”, this is both the place of the spirits, from where they come, go and, also God himself ( Nzambi ), the source of these spirits.

A beautiful head of hair made of natural fibers with beads embellishes the mask, the important collar of vegetable fibers allows it to cover the entire neck like a coif.

 Copper earrings with hoops on each ear, 6 small rings hanging from the main hoop hanging on the ear.

In Africa, the dancer, disguised as a woman, wears false breasts, a cotton skirt and a heavy sickle-shaped pearl belt; in his hands he usually holds a rattle and a fly swatter.

 Hardwood and mask in excellent condition.

Height 45 cm. Weight 610 gr. Era 70s/80s

Private collection Turin

 Acquired by the “Galleria Arkana” Turin in the 1980s

 Acquired by the Multiethnic and Antique Gallery "Arkadia Gallery"  Turin