Pwo mask

This finely crafted work is an example of a pwo mask of the Chokwe. These face masks represent feminine ideals and portray female ancestors who are attributed central importance in Chokwe society. They appear in the ceremonies marking the ritual initiation of male youths into adulthood. The tears indicated on the cheeks of the mask symbolize their mothers’ pride and pain of parting. This mask is especially striking for its carefully worked, harmoniously configured facial features, its ornamental scarring – such as the cross motif on the forehead – and its artfully embellished hairstyle. Like others of its type, this mask seems to have been inspired by a woman who lived in the artist’s community; its features possess an individuality of expression despite the idealized form of representation.