CHOKWE, Angola/Democratic Republic of Congo. Wood,... Lot 161

CHOKWE, Angola/Democratic Republic of Congo. Wood, deep reddish-brown patina, brass nails, beads, coins, fibers, vegetable amalgam, metal. Female "Pwo" mask that has kept its original hairstyle, it is worn by a male dancer during the initiation rites of young boys. It represents the face of a woman with a refined and exalting beauty, the delicate model, the half-closed slanted eyes, the arched eyebrows, the thin nose, the mouth with thin lips and filed teeth, the scarifications engraved with elegance. The quality and age of the hairstyle is noteworthy, consisting of a headband, braids, hair made of fibers coated with red ochre, small tight curls and beads. 1st third of the XXth century. Total height: 28 cm. Face only: 18 cm. Slight cracks, missing an earring. Provenance: Private collection, Brussels, Belgium.