African Tribal Art: Chokwe People, D.R. Congo/Zaire: Mwana Pwo Mask, carved wood with light brown skin tone and dark brown hair, scarification/tribal marks and eyebrows, mid 20th century. It has a fine patina and the attachment holes along the rim show staining from moisture/sweat.

The mask depicts a female, referred to as pwo (mwana pwo). It shows facial features considered desirable by the Chokwe: filed teeth, abstract scarification, and a swept-forward coiffure. It is a dance mask, and would be accompanied by a male counterpart. Together, they symbolize power.

15H x 8W x 10.25D (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York

Good condition with signs of use and age; worn patina; scuffs. Note that there is a wood-split/crack in the center of the back of the hair.

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