Superb Chokwe African mwana pwo mask, circa 1920. Ceremonial mwana pwo (meaning: perfect young woman ready for marriage) chikunga ritual dancing mask of the south Congolese Chokwe people. The oval carved wooden mask, with pierced narrow eyes placed in wide sockets whitened with kaolin clay, is attached by a braided headband to a coiffure of small knots of fiber and a forelock pendant consisting of a bead & Belgian Congo coin of 1922 and a seashell, the pierced ears having a simple metal hoop earring, and a knitted barkcloth net around the back of the head and neck. Pigment, vegetable fibers. On the forehead is the dotted tattoo known as mitelumuna, or "knitted eyebrows," an allusion to discontentedness or arrogance. Under the eyes are tattoos known as masoji, signifying tears. This mask could easily pre-date the year of the coin. Important museum quality work of art. This lot is guaranteed as described or your money back.

Excellent condition