Mask - Mwana Pwo - Chokwe - DR Congo (No reserve price)





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Masque Mwana Pwo of the Chokwe from DR Congo, carved in wood in the late 20th century, authentic original, in good condition, sold without a stand.
Description from the seller
A carved Chokwe “Mwana Pwo” mask – DR Congo – wood
Description:
For sale is an expressive and finely crafted wooden mask from the Chokwe people of Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo / Angola).
This is the famous mask type of the “Mwana Pwo,” which embodies the ideal of a young woman who represents virtue and beauty. Although it bears feminine features, this mask type is traditionally worn by male dancers during initiations and festive ceremonies.
This mask was crafted in the late 20th century in an excellent artisanal tradition and perfectly reflects all classic stylistic features of the ethnic group.
Special artisanal and cultural features:
Scratches/scarifications (body art): On the forehead is the distinctive, deeply incised cross symbol (Cingelyengelye), the classic tribal sign of the Chokwe. Faint decorative scars also appear on the cheeks.
Facial features: The eyes are carved in the typical coffee-bean shape and white-edged (often a symbol of the spiritual connection to the world of ancestors).
Mouth area: The mouth is characteristically half-open and shows the traditionally sharply filed teeth.
Hairstyle/headgear: The mask terminates at the top with a geometrically structured, three-part-looking hairstyle.
Details & Condition:
Origin: From a private collection in Cologne.
Region/People: Chokwe (Tshokwe), Democratic Republic of Congo / Angola.
Material: Wood, pigments.
Era: Late 20th century (vintage).
Measurements: Height: approx. 30 cm | Width: approx. 19 cm | Depth: approx. 12 cm.
Condition: In good, authentic condition with beautiful patina of age and minimal, age-related signs of wear that underscore the character of this collector’s piece (see detailed photos).
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DELIVERY SCOPE: The black presentation stand shown in the pictures is for decorative purposes only and is explicitly NOT included in the delivery.
Shipping:
Shipping is carried out securely packed, insured, and with tracking via DHL.
A carved Chokwe “Mwana Pwo” mask – DR Congo – wood
Description:
For sale is an expressive and finely crafted wooden mask from the Chokwe people of Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo / Angola).
This is the famous mask type of the “Mwana Pwo,” which embodies the ideal of a young woman who represents virtue and beauty. Although it bears feminine features, this mask type is traditionally worn by male dancers during initiations and festive ceremonies.
This mask was crafted in the late 20th century in an excellent artisanal tradition and perfectly reflects all classic stylistic features of the ethnic group.
Special artisanal and cultural features:
Scratches/scarifications (body art): On the forehead is the distinctive, deeply incised cross symbol (Cingelyengelye), the classic tribal sign of the Chokwe. Faint decorative scars also appear on the cheeks.
Facial features: The eyes are carved in the typical coffee-bean shape and white-edged (often a symbol of the spiritual connection to the world of ancestors).
Mouth area: The mouth is characteristically half-open and shows the traditionally sharply filed teeth.
Hairstyle/headgear: The mask terminates at the top with a geometrically structured, three-part-looking hairstyle.
Details & Condition:
Origin: From a private collection in Cologne.
Region/People: Chokwe (Tshokwe), Democratic Republic of Congo / Angola.
Material: Wood, pigments.
Era: Late 20th century (vintage).
Measurements: Height: approx. 30 cm | Width: approx. 19 cm | Depth: approx. 12 cm.
Condition: In good, authentic condition with beautiful patina of age and minimal, age-related signs of wear that underscore the character of this collector’s piece (see detailed photos).
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DELIVERY SCOPE: The black presentation stand shown in the pictures is for decorative purposes only and is explicitly NOT included in the delivery.
Shipping:
Shipping is carried out securely packed, insured, and with tracking via DHL.

