African Chokwe Ceremonial Wood Mask 19th - 20th Century.

African Chokwe Ceremonial Wood Mask 19th - 20th Century.

In northwestern and western provinces of Zambia and Angola, live the Luvale, Chokwe, Luchazi, and Mbunda peoples who celebrate the 'Kumukanda', initiation ceremonies for boys between the ages of 8 and 12 in preparation of entering manhood. The final part of this ceremony is the performance called the 'Makashi Masquerade. This Mask represents the 'Ideal Woman' who is either 'Pwevo', an older 'fulfilled' woman, or 'Mwana Pwevo', a younger 'potential' woman, and is one of the most important Makishi characters in the masquerade. This mask was part of the Provenance Private collection and was collected between the years 1910 and 1930.

Item Code - WOO6E577PAN

Width: 9 1/2"  Height: 11 3/4"  Depth: 5 1/2"  Weight: 436 kg