Chockwe Maiden mask

Chockwe Maiden mask, "Mwana Pwo/Pwevo" masks Angola/ DRC.

The Chokwe maiden masks, often referred to as Mwana Pwo in Angola and Pwevo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are among the most celebrated examples of Central African masquerade art. These masks represent idealized female beauty and fertility, embodying the cultural values of the Chokwe people and surrounding groups. They are traditionally worn during initiation ceremonies and dances that celebrate lineage, fertility, and community continuity.

The mask itself is usually carved from light wood, with a smooth, polished surface and delicate modeling. The facial features are refined and highly stylized: a high forehead, narrow nose, small, pursed lips, and finely incised scarification patterns that reflect Chokwe ideals of beauty. The eyes are often downcast or half-closed, lending an introspective or serene expression. A common attribute is the presence of elaborate coiffures, sometimes decorated with raffia, fiber, or beads, emphasizing femininity and social status.

The figure represented is not a specific historical person but an archetype of womanhood and fertility. During performances, male dancers wear the masks, adopting movements that mimic the grace and poise of young women. The dance is accompanied by music—often drums and rattles—that punctuates gestures of elegance and modesty, reinforcing social and moral ideals.

The Chokwe Mwana Pwo has exerted a significant influence on modern African art collections. Its aesthetic balance and expressive subtlety have made it a model for sculptors in the 20th century and a sought-after object in ethnographic and art museums worldwide. Scholars note that while the mask celebrates feminine beauty, it simultaneously embodies social values regarding fertility, moral conduct, and the continuity of the community.

Footnote references for further research include Mary Nooter Roberts’ and Allen F. Roberts’ works on Chokwe art and mask traditions, which analyze the sociocultural contexts of these objects, and Guyer’s studies on performance and gender in Central African masquerade.

Height: 19 cm without fabric or stand
Weight: 1,1 kg incl. stand