Early Century Wood

African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers


African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers

African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers  African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers

Pwo or mwana pwo is one the most popular dancing masks among the Chokwe. Because they follow matrilineal descent, the Chokwe dance pwo to honor the founding female ancestor of the lineage.

When a masquerader dies, the mask is buried with the dancer.
African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers  African Tribal Chokwe Mask Pwo mask. Chokwe, early 20th century. Wood, fibers