Mwana Pwo Mask
Chockwe
Portuguese Angola (Angola) - Belgian Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
First half 20th century
Alstonia wood, woven raffia fiber, red clay, oils
Width: 15,2cm
Height: 22,9cm
Collection Date: 2007 - 2008
Collection Number: 183

The Chokwe of Angola use a beautiful mask called Mwana pwo in their initiation ceremonies known as mukanda. Although they are exclusively worn by men, Mwana pwo masks represent female ancestors and emphasize the features that are most admired in young women. This mask is carved from the wood Astonia (probably congensis) and is a rich reddish-brown color obtained from using red clay and oils. On the forehead are the triangles of the tattoo known as cingelyengelye, thought to be originally derived from 17th century crosses distributed by Portuguese Capuchin Monks from the Order of Christ of Portugal. Carvings under the eyes represent tattoos known as masoji, signifying tears. The rear of the mask is composed of woven raffia with cylindrical wood blocks in the form of dreadlocked hair. Pwo masks are one of the most common dancing mask amonst the Chockwe. This mask was one of the very first objects to start the Mansfield collection purchased circa 2007 - 2008.