Mwana Pwo Mask - Chokwe - Angola

Chokwe masks, originating from Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are among the most recognizable in African art. Carved from dense woods such as mukula or mututi, they are distinguished by their realistic features, their half-closed eyes, their mouths often ajar, and their elaborate headdress, sometimes adorned with geometric motifs or scarifications.

These masks generally embody ancestors, spirits, or figures of power, and play a central role during initiation ceremonies, funerals, or rites of passage. Their surface is carefully polished and coated with a smooth patina, sometimes tinted with natural pigments such as kaolin or ochre, to reinforce their sacred dimension.

In the Chokwe tradition, masks are used to convey moral teachings, to commemorate the memory of the deceased, or to invoke the protection of spirits. Their making, reserved for initiated artisans, follows a rigorous process, respecting the community's symbolic and spiritual rules.
Today, these masks are also recognized for their artistic value, illustrating the balance between realism and symbolism in African art. Each piece remains a living testimony of the Chokwe beliefs and history.

Introduction to our expertise firm

Based in Belgium, our appraisal and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a track record of several hundred sales with a customer satisfaction rate close to 100%.

We regularly assist with liquidations, estates, and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is designed to be rigorous, transparent and accessible, with sales often offered without a reserve price.

Some pieces that have passed through our hands have joined international private collections and, for some, museum institutions.

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