Mwana Pwo Mask - Chokwe - Angola

Rare Mwana Pwo mask of the Tshokwe (Chokwe) of Angola, this remarkable piece elegantly embodies the feminine ideal celebrated in initiatory ceremonies and traditional masked dances. The face, of great sculptural finesse, presents delicately balanced features: half-closed eyelids, mouth slightly open revealing a finely engraved dentition, discreet facial scarifications and an expression imbued with serenity.

The original coiffure, preserved in an exceptionally rare condition, greatly enhances the piece’s interest. Made of fibers, textiles and ancient elements still in place, it testifies to the object's authenticity as well as its ritual use. This unusually preserved state gives the whole piece a striking presence and a strong ethnographic dimension.

The deep, warm and nuanced patina reveals many years of handling and ceremonial use. The harmonious volumes of the face, together with the refinement of the engraved details, place this mask among the most elegant productions of the Tshokwe stylistic corpus. A piece of great aesthetic and collectible quality, combining expressive power, rarity and a remarkable state of preservation.

Presentation of our expert house

Based in Belgium, our expert and sales house specializes in African and ethnographic art. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we benefit from a solid reputation and a track record of hundreds of sales with an almost 100% satisfaction rate.

We regularly assist with liquidations, successions and dispersals of collections, in collaboration with individuals and families in Belgium and neighboring countries. Our approach is 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.

All of our collections are visible year-round at specialized fairs and exhibitions, but also through the online catalogue of our gallery Héritage Galerie:
https://art-africain-traditionnel.com/en/

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