Mask, 1920-1930, 10 1/2 x 10 1/2 in. ( x cm) (headdress), Wood, vegetable fiber, glass beads, metal, Angola or Democratic Republic of Congo, 20th century, Known as pwo (woman) or mwana pwo (young woman), this type of mask is worn by men whose outfits include breasts carved in wood and fastened to their netted costume. The masks evoke female ancestors, who are responsible for guarding the community’s fertility. They are represented as beautiful women with balanced features, filed teeth, and delicate scarifications on their cheeks and forehead.

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Size: 4686px × 6300px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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