Description: Chokwe Mask Mwana Pwo with Headdress Congo Brand Unbranded Type of Object Mask Country of Origin Democractic Republic of Congo, or Angola People Chokwe Materials Wood, vegetal fibers, cotton Approximate Age 20th century Height (in) 8 Width (in) 6 Depth (in) 4 Other Dimensions 19 inch length with Hair Overall Condition Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage. This mask comes from the Chokwe. It belongs to the famous category known as Mwana pwo and had performed during the ceremonies of circumcision and initiation of Young boys. The headdress attached to the mask is well preserved. The face shows typical Chokwe scarification patterns and expression. The Mwana Pwo Chokwe mask is a traditional wooden mask made by the Chokwe people of Central and Southern Africa, particularly in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The mask represents a young woman, with distinctive scarification marks on her forehead and cheeks, and is uséd in initiation ceremonies for young girls. The Mwana Pwo Chokwe mask is considered a symbol of beauty, fertility, and wisdom. It is worn by dancers during the mukanda initiation ceremony, which marks the transition of young girls into adulthood. During the ceremony, the mask is danced by a male performer, who embodies the spirit of the young woman depicted in the mask. The dance is accompanied by music and singing, and the performance is intended to teach the initiates about their roles and responsibilities as women in Chokwe society. The mask is typically carved from wood, and is decorated with intricate patterns and designs. The scarification marks on the forehead and cheeks are a distinctive feature of the mask, and are believed to represent beauty and social status. The Mwana Pwo Chokwe mask is also sometimes adorned with cowrie shells, beads, and other decorative elements. Today, the Mwana Pwo Chokwe mask continues to play an important role in Chokwe culture, and is also appreciated by collectors and art enthusiasts around the world. **139196** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2023 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. 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When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card. U.S. Shipping: Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials uséd is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. . International Shipping: We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. 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Price: 240 USD
Location: Denver, CO
End Time: 2024-08-26T19:43:09.000Z
Shipping Cost: 20.98 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Return policy details:
Age Level: 20th Century
Brand: sku 139000
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Item Height: 8.0
Item Length: 4.0
Item Width: 6.0
Maker: Chokwe Artisan
Material: Wood
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Original/Reproduction: Original
Style: None
Tribe: Chokwe
Type: Mask
author: None