Mwana Pwo Mask - Chokwe - Angola

Rare mask from the Mwana pwo of the Tshokwe (Chokwe) of Angola, this remarkable work elegantly embodies the feminine ideal celebrated in initiation ceremonies and traditional masked dances. The face, with great sculptural finesse, features delicately balanced traits: half-closed eyelids, mouth slightly open revealing finely engraven dentition, discreet facial scarifications and an expression marked by serenity.

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

The deep, warm, nuanced patina reveals many years of handling and ceremonial use. The harmonious volumes of the face, combined 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 quality and collectible value, uniting expressive power, rarity and remarkable conservation.

Presentation of our house of expertise

Based in Belgium, our house of expertise and sales specializes in African art and ethnography. A leading seller on Catawiki for over 8 years, we enjoy a solid reputation and a history of several hundred 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 many sales offered without reserve prices.

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

All of our collections can be viewed year-round at specialist fairs and exhibitions, but also through the online catalog of our gallery Héritage Galerie:
https://art-africain-traditionnel.com/en/

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