The Chokwe Pwo Mask

Made in the early 20th century by the Chokwe people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Pwo mask is quintessential piece of African Art. This 15 inch mask is made of primarily of wood and plant fiber covered in pigments and small copper alloy accessories. The mask was worn by a man during tribal dances to honor what was seen as the ideal woman and the founding female ancestors of the Chokwe people. The Chokwe people placed a high amount of privilege and honor towards its women so this mask would have been used to reassure that respect to the tribes women. When this mask was danced it was accompanied by an equally elaborate costume that would have drawn attention towards the fertility of many of the tribes women. To symbolize the grace