What does the PWO mask represent?
What does the PWO mask represent?
A popular and frequent occurrence in entertainment masquerades, mwana pwo represents a female ancestor but is always worn by a male dancer. This mask type symbolizes fecundity and the prominent role of women in Chokwe society.
What is the Chokwe mask used for?
Found amongst the Chokwe of Angola, these masculine masks (Chihongo, meaning ‘spirit of wealth’) are used to symbolize wealth and power. The masqueraders wearing the mask pay homage to male ancestors believed to be responsible for the prosperity and strength of the community.
What are PWO masks made of?
Female (pwo) mask, Chokwe peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo, early 20th century, wood, plant fiber, pigment, copper alloy, 39.1 cm high (Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Washington D.C.) This mask was made and worn by men, but its purpose is to honor women who have bravely survived childbirth.
Why are the eyes closed in the PWO mask?
Notice the sunken in eye style that is common in many Chokwe masks. Her eyes are closed to a narrow opening. The tears that fall from the eyes of the mask symbolize the pain of death that occurs throughout a human’s life.
What is the meaning of Chokwe?
Definition of Chokwe 1a : a scattered people of northeastern Angola and adjacent parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo noted for the religious masks that they produce. b : a member of such people. 2 : a Bantu language of the Chokwe people closely related to or perhaps a dialect of Lwena.
Where are the Chokwe people from?
Chokwe, also spelled Ciokwe, or Cokwe, also called Bajokwe, or Badjok, Bantu-speaking people who inhabit the southern part of Congo (Kinshasa) from the Kwango River to the Lualaba; northeastern Angola; and, since 1920, the northwestern corner of Zambia.
Who made the PWO mask?
This work was created by the Chokwe people in Democratic Republic of the Congo in the late 19th to early 20th century.
What does the name Chokwe mean?
1a : a scattered people of northeastern Angola and adjacent parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo noted for the religious masks that they produce. b : a member of such people. 2 : a Bantu language of the Chokwe people closely related to or perhaps a dialect of Lwena.
Where do Chokwe people live?
What is the meaning of the mwana pwo mask?
Recently pwo has become known as mwana pwo, a young woman. It represents young women who undergone initiation and are ready for marriage. The Chokwe have influenced the art of many neighboring peoples, including the Lunda, Mbunda, Luvale, and Mbangani.
What does a Chokwe face mask symbolize?
This mask type symbolizes fecundity and the prominent role of women in Chokwe society. Although idealized, its features suggest the individuality of a portrait, raising the possibility that it may be modeled on a particular woman.
What kind of fabric is a pwo mask made of?
Made of 100% wood, fiber, Patina. Model is W 28 – H 17 and weight 0.5 kg. This tribal Mask From the Chokwe is called pwo or mwana pwo mask and originates from Angola. It has an elaborate hairline made up of a braided fibre fabric, beautiful and unusual scarification patterns on the forehead and cheeks.
