Mwana Pwo masks, Chokwe people, Angola/DRC, 19th to 20th century

Mwana Pwo masks, Chokwe people, Angola/DRC, 19th to 20th century.

“Mwana Pwo, or Pwewo, is one of the most important characters in a group of masks called makishi, which represent the spirits of deceased individuals. The Mwana Pwo mask is conceived as an ideal female role model–a beautiful woman who speaks gracefully and acts with gentle manners. These masks were created and performed by men in conjunction with male initiation.” -Yale University Art Gallery