Product Description: Pwo (Tchokwe) Mask

Pwo masks, with their typical forehead, check and chin scarifications, represent the ideal mother and woman. The vegetal-fibre net secures the mast on the wearer's head.

Height/Length: 11 inches
Width across face: roughly 7½ inches

Age: approximately 30+ years.

Tribal History: Tchokwe People

During the 15th century, a Lunda queen married a Luba prince called Tshibinda Ilunga. A significant number of the Lunda aristocracy so disapproved of the marriage that they migrated south to present-day Angola. Once settled, they founded several kingdoms, each headed by a god-king. These tribes are now known as the Tchokwe, the Luena, the Songo, the Imbagala and the Ovimbudu. Around 1860, following a major famine, the Tchokwe people migrated back towards the south and settle in Angola, at the Source of the Kwango, Kasai and Lungwe rivers. THe Tchokwe are governed by a king called Mwana Ngana, who distributes hunting grounds and cultivated areas; while the male Mugonge and female Ukule societies regulated their social life.

Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days.

$95.00

*This item is ONE OF A KIND!  Once ordered it is removed from our inventory listings.

Product descriptions adapted from similar ones in The Tribal Arts of Africa written by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart

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