Mask "mwana phwevo"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 489
87th Tribal Art AuctionMask "mwana phwevo"
Angola, Luena
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Belgian Private Collection | H: 7.3 inch | This object is not available anymore. |
wood, brown patina, abundant coiffure from plant fibre cord, bead earring, remains of a costume from knotted plant fibre, min. dam., slight traces of usage, base.
Various ethnical groups in the area of the upper Sambesi and the southern Kasai area use the "mwana phwevo" mask type. Its name, "young woman" refers to a mythological female person, who died young, and whose painful loss should be recalled by the masquerade. The masks were danced by men and appear on various festive occasions in order to amuse the village people, especially women, with their charming dances.
Hahner-Herzog, Iris, Das Zweite Gesicht, Genf, München, New York 1997, ill. 86