A Chokwe mask, Angola, DRC, Zambia, made of wood and ornamented with beaded head band holding back the hair made of natural fibers. The face has a small open mouth showing teeth, small mouth and eyes squinted; it has scarifications on the forehead, temples, cheeks and chin. The back of the mask has a fabric to cover the wearer’s head. Signs of use. Certificate of origin and provenance. “…Chokwe trace descent through their mothers' lines. Pwo's joint performance with her male counterpart, Cihongo, brings fertility and prosperity to a community. The cultural ideals of these two iconic representations developed during the precolonial period continue to inspire contemporary artists in the region.” Source: Met Museum New York