Chokwe Mask Mwana Pwo Congo

The Mwana Pwo Chokwe mask is a traditional wooden mask crafted by the Chokwe people of Central and Southern Africa, found in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. This mask, belonging to the Mwana pwo category, plays a significant role in the circumcision and initiation ceremonies of young girls. Representing a young woman with distinct scarification patterns, the mask symbolizes beauty, fertility, and wisdom. Worn during the mukanda initiation ceremony, the mask is danced by a male performer, embodying the spirit of the depicted woman. The performance, accompanied by music and singing, aims to impart knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of women in Chokwe society. Carved from wood, the mask features intricate patterns and may be adorned with cowrie shells, beads, and vegetable fibers, enhancing its cultural and aesthetic significance.

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