Masque africain Chokwe - Chokwe (Sans prix de réserve)

Chokwe Mwana Pwo (“Young Woman”) mask from Central Africa, most likely originating from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Zambia, the traditional homeland of the Chokwe people. The piece was acquired in Kenya in the 1990s and has been in private Dutch ownership since.
The Mwana Pwo mask represents the idealised Chokwe woman and is traditionally worn by male dancers during ceremonies celebrating female ancestors, fertility and beauty. It is one of the most recognised and collected mask forms in African tribal art.
The face is carved in dense hardwood with a smooth, dark surface consistent with age and handling. Facial features are rendered in the classic Chokwe style: almond-shaped half-closed eyes and lips showing the traditional filed teeth pattern. The forehead bears the characteristic diamond-shaped scarification cross (cingelyengelye) flanked by circular marks, one of the defining features of authentic Chokwe workmanship. The cheeks display additional scarification lines typical of the tradition. The crown is carved with a crosshatch pattern representing the traditional Chokwe coiffure. The natural fibre hairpiece is hand-attached and surrounds the mask in the traditional manner. The interior shows original woven raffia fabric lining and dark wood.
Good condition. Natural fibre hairpiece shows some wear and loosening consistent with decades of storage but still looks full. Carving fully intact.