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This is a Chokwe (Tchokwe) wooden tribal mask with a raffia beard, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early 20th century A.D. A wooden carved tribal mask having pierced eyes and woven and knotted straw hair. Provenance: from the Estate of an old Bristol Ethnographic Collection. The artefact is in fine condition and measures 310mm tall
While in former times masks probably played important roles in religious beliefs and institutional practices. However, many other Chokwe masks have come to be used primarily for entertainment. Itinerant actors wearing these masks travel from village to village, living on gifts received at performances. Most masks are carved of wood with t he most popular and best-known entertainment masks are chihongo, spirit of wealth, and pwo, his consort. Gaunt features, sunken cheeks, and jutting beard of an elder characterize a chihongo mask. Chihongo was formerly worn only by a chief or by one of his sons as they travelled through their realm exacting tribute in exchange for the protection that the spirit masks gave. While chihongo brings prosperity, his female counterpart, pwo, is an archetype of womanhood, an ancestral female personage who encourages fertility. As an ancestor, she is envisioned as an elderly woman. The eyes closed to narrow slits evoke those of a deceased person. The facial decoration on the surface are considered female. Recently pwo has become known as mwana pwo, a young woman and represents young women who undergone initiation and are ready for marriage.
Price: £85.00
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