Wall Decoration Antique Chokwe Pwo Mask – Braided Fiber Hairstyle – Congo – ca. 1950
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Authentic Antique Chokwe Pwo Mask with Braided Fiber Hairstyle – Congo / Angola – ca. 1950
Specifications: Hand-carved Hardwood | Original Raffia/Plant Fiber Wig | Kaolin Eye Accents | Verified Ritual Piece
We proudly present a particularly aesthetic and characterful masterpiece within the African ethnographica section: a legitimate antique hand-carved wooden Pwo (Female Ancestor) mask from the Chokwe culture in the border region of Congo and Angola. This ceremonial mask dates from the mid-20th century (ca. 1940-1960) and is in a fabulous, unrestored, and fully verified authentic condition.
Deep Chokwe Iconography & Symbolism
Within Chokwe society, the Pwo mask is worn during initiation rituals and village festivals to honor female ancestors and implore fertility. This object brings an intense, mystical, and texture-rich atmosphere to any high-end or modern interior:
- The Cingelyengelye Forehead Mark: Centrally located on the forehead is the deeply incised geometric cross mark, a traditional aesthetic tribal mark of the Chokwe. The edges of the carving are soft and show a natural, dark resin patina.
- The Masoji (Tears) Scars: Beneath the characteristic 'coffee bean' eyes, vertical scar lines are carved into the cheeks. These symbolize the 'masoji' (tears), the respectful grief of the ancestral mother. The large eye sockets are washed with white lime (kaolin), the color of the spiritual world.
- Completely Original Hairstyle: The absolute crown jewel of this sculpture is the voluminous wig made of hand-twisted and braided natural plant fibers and raffia cords. The fibers have changed color due to decades of use and carry the scent of historical temple oil and soot.
Forensic Analysis of the Inside (Wear Patina)
The back of the cut-out bowl provides irrefutable, laboratory-worthy evidence of actual ceremonial use by a Chokwe dancer, completely free of modern airport tourist clutter:
- Original Braided Fiber Rim: At the top is the authentic, coarsely woven jute/fiber headband that served as protection and comfort for the wearer's forehead. The fibers show heavy, natural aging and dust accumulation.
- Artisan Adze Marks: The inside is deeply hollowed out with a traditional, manual gouge or curved adze, leaving a characteristic horizontal scale pattern in the wood. The surface displays an intense, dark, and mirror-smooth polished biological wear shine around the nose and eye areas, caused by prolonged skin contact.
Product details
| Depiction: | Chokwe Pwo Mask / Female Spirit (Tribal Art) |
| Material: | Hand-carved hardwood with kaolin, natural pigments and original braided plant fiber headdress |
| Origin / Culture: | Democratic Republic of Congo / Angola (Chokwe tribe) |
| Dating: | Mid 20th Century (ca. 1950) – Fully antique ethnographic masterpiece |
| Condition: | Exceptional, verified tribal condition. Beautiful dark brown patina skin, hand-carved back with intense wearable luster, and a fully intact historical wig and fiber rim. 100% guaranteed nonsense-free. |
Dimensions
H 32 × W 24 cm
Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.
Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.
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Pay securely at checkout with credit card, Klarna, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The certificate of authenticity and the invoice are included in the price.
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How we investigated this image
For more than 30 years, we have been researching Asian art. Each object is inspected in advance with a microscope and UV light. Findings regarding material, style, and iconography form the basis for our assessment of dating, condition, and quality — and for the price.
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