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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Face Mask (Mwana Pwo)
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Face Mask (Mwana Pwo)

Artist/Maker (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and Zambia)
Datenot dated
Mediumwood and stain
DimensionsOverall: 10 1/4 x 5 7/8 x 2 7/8 in. (26 x 14.9 x 7.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2012.2.34
    DescriptionThis mask may be a provincial variation of the important masked female entity, Mwana Pwo, who symbolizes the female ancestor, if in fact it is a female. The reddish powder (camwood) rubbed on the mask supports a female designation, as does the absence of male elements such as a prestige headdress and beard. The nose shape (long and thin with small nostrils), sleepy eyes with swollen lids, and mouth with exposed teeth filed to points are all characteristic of Chokwe and related styles. The facial scarification, however, is more like those of the Luba group, precursors of the Lunda Empire, which was eventually overthrown by the Chokwe.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chokwe people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chokwe people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Chokwe people
    ca. 1910
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bushoong people
    ca. 1926-1940
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bushoong people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Luba people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 850-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bassa people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jukun people
    not dated
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dan people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Ejagham people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Nigeria, Igbo people
    not dated