Chokwe Pwo Mask

Circa 1930

Rediscovered in Belgium

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This is an extraordinary Pwo mask collected in the Belgium Congo. It was executed by a Master Carver who lived in the early 20th century. It’s elegant expressive expression, successfully blends stylized and naturalistic facial features. Fine adze marks adorn the inner and outer surface.

Pwo masks represent a beautiful female ancestor. The forehead displays a version of the chingelyengelye cross motif, which is a tribal scarification design commonly interpreted in literature as a version of the imported Portuguese Cross of the Order of Christ.

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Mbunda Simonda Mask - Masque

Zambia

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A rare, valuable mask from the Mbunda people.

This is a very nice version of the "outsider" character mask, which the Mbunda call "Simonda". Such masks vary greatly in size and quality.  This particular example would have been collected in the north-western segment of Mbunda territory, as it has no forehead wrinkles.

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Chewa Mask - Masque

Malawi - Zambia

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This is a mask from the little known Chewa people of  Malawi - Zambia. The Chewa use their masks at the secret  Nyau Society performances for initiations, funerals, and other important events. The British banned the Nyau due to it's secrecy, which explains why mask examples are seldom offered for sale.

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Makonde Mapiko Mask

A Rare Pre-Contact Example

An extraordinary Makonde Mapiko - Lipiko mask by the hand of The Master of the Abstract Coiffeur - Circa 1900

This mask likely dates to a pre-contact period. First European contact with the Makonde occurred around 1910.

Even then, visits were sporadic. As a result, few early collected masks examples like this are known.

The masterwork was rediscovered in Australia. It would have traveled there as a curiosity on a steam ship.

Makonde mask by the hand of The Master of the Abstract Coiffeur.

Makonde helmet masks have strong African features.  They can attain great expressiveness, as shown here. Some are simple in form, with static concave planes. Others display an organically sensed rounded style. The naturalism is exaggerated with full lips and receding cranium.

The Ivy's Albums -  Circa 1940

Design elements frequently include scarification marks, eyebrows, lashes and coiffures made of human hair.

One of the most important events in the life of a Makonde was initiation. During intensive months of ritual, girls and boys were provided with essential knowledge. The most important carving used during initiation ceremonies was the Mapiko or Lipiko mask. It was worn over the top of the head and tilted back, so that the wearer could look out through the mouth. Mapiko masks often represented ancestors, who come back masked in order to express their joy at the successful achievement of initiation. Their presence is meant to be proof of the tight bonds that exist between the living and the dead.

The Makonde mask depicted in the images above, are found in the Miller's English and German guides entitled TRIBAL ART  THE ESSENTIAL WORLD GUIDE. The published mask was previously the property of Galerie Ezakwantu. In our opinion, our current mask is of equal quality, if not superior to the Miller's one. In addition, is is likely the two masks are by the same carver.

Finally, 'AFRICAN FACES - An Homage to the African Mask" used a mask on its cover by the hand of the same master carver.

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