Rare African Chokwe Pwo Mask, Angola / DR Congo

This 19th-early 20th Century carved wood Chokwe (Pwo) mask comes from Angola or the Democratic Republic of Congo.The mask was based on religious beliefs held by the Chokwe people and represents a female character that invoked the protective spirit of an ancestor. Pwo's joint performance with her male counterpart, Cihongo, brings fertility and prosperity to a community.

Stylistic features include the slit eyes, filed teeth, and facial scarification marks on the cheeks and forehead. Abundant plant fiber coiffure. Measures 23 in. long and the mask itself is 9 7/8 in. high x 7 1/4 in. wide.