Provenance: Mbunda People - Western Zambia - Circa 1930

This striking Pwevo mask was collected south of Kalabo on the west bank of the Zambezi River in Zambia near the Angolan border. It is one of the finest examples discovered after years of extensive search in a region, which was virtually uncollected. It is an old and powerful mask dating to the 1930's.
 

Pwevo represents a female ancestor whom many consider the mother of Chokwe and related peoples. Pwevo is the foundation of the tribe. (Luvale - Lwena - Luchazi - Mbunda).

Pwevo is present at ceremonial events such as the investiture of new chiefs. Her appearance is essential at mukanda where she appears with other ancestral personalities. Attributes of Pwevo include morality and beauty.

The carver of this formidable mask paid attention to form - detailing the representation of a strong woman. We know of no other mask by the carver.

Mbunda scarification called kangongo runs vertically down the forehead, onto the nose and chin. Teardrop motifs below the eyes called masoji, terminate into four tribally significant punched holes.

Makishi Lya Zambia - Pg 175 - Charles Meur

The near facsimile kangongo scarification descending from the forehead to nose on the mask and drawing, suggests the mask represent a female chief. To this day, female chiefs rule large swaths of territory in Angola and Western Zambia.

A trio of short parallel lines called mupila adorn the outer side of each eye.
 

Blue beads highlight the forehead, added to the mask as decoration.

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