Very rare antique 19th century Chokwe African mwana pwo mask, with provenance from the mid 1800s. 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, open mouth with serrated teeth, ebonized lips and eyebrows, the mask attached by a braided headband with serpentine string of beads, and a coiffure of looped & matted cord, the pierced ears having a pendant cylindrical ivory earring, and a knitted barkcloth net around the back of the head and neck. On the forehead the cruciform marking known as cingelyengelye said to have been influenced by the medals depicting maltese crosses distributed by Portuguese Capuchin monks in the 17th century. Pigment, vegetable fibers. In the Chokwe tradition, these were much prized ceremonial masks donned by male dancers as a symbolic caricature of a beautiful young woman, adorned with tattoos, earrings and an elaborate coiffure, to honor the founding female ancestor of the lineage. Important museum quality work of art. This lot is guaranteed as described or your money back.

Excellent condition