Lot 71
CHOKWE MASK, PWO
ANGOLA
African & Oceanic Art and Antiquities | 556
Auction: 1 May 2019 at 12:00 BST
Description
carved wood, the softly curving chin below fractionally parted lips, a medial ridge leading to arching brows framing the coffee bean eyes, decorated with both raised and incised scarification, deep red pigmented patina, mounted
Dimensions
20.5cm high
Footnote
Provenance:
Willy Claes Collection, Brussels, acquired 1940's
Kevin Conru, Brussels
Bernice and Terence Pethica Collection
Published:
Klopper, Nettleton and Pethica, The Art of Southern Africa, The Terence Pethica Collection 2007, p. 142, n° 61
Note:
"The notions of ideal female beauty associated with Chokwe depictions of Pwo, one the masks used in the mukanda boys' initiation lodge, are revealed both in the quiet composure of her features and in the scarification marks on her face, which allude to her status as a fulfilled woman who has successfully passed through a number of important roles reserved for women. This is one of only two Chokwe masks made from wood, the other being the chiefly cihongo mask. As the use of wood for these two masks suggests, materials play(ed) a significant role in underlining the continuity and durability of chiefly authority and the values associated with it." (Klopper, Nettleton and Pethica 2007).