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Wall Decoration Antique Chokwe Pwo Mask – Braided Fiber Hairstyle – Congo – circa 1950 – Sculpture
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Wall Decoration Antique Chokwe Pwo Mask – Braided Fiber Hairstyle – Congo – circa 1950

€264Bid from €237.60
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About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
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 remarkably aesthetic and characterful masterpiece within the African ethnographica section: a legitimate antique hand-carved wooden Pwo (Female Ancestor) mask from the Chokwe culture, originating from the border region of Congo and Angola. This ceremonial mask dates from the mid-20th century (approx. ) and is in 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 invoke fertility. This object brings an intense, mystical, and richly textured atmosphere to any high-end or modern interior: The Cingelyengelye Forehead Mark: Centrally on the forehead is the deeply incised geometric cross mark, a traditional aesthetic tribal sign of the Chokwe. The edges of the incision are soft and show a natural, dark resinous patina. The Masoji (Tears) Scars: Below the characteristic 'coffee bean' eyes are the vertical scarification lines carved into the cheeks. These symbolize the 'masoji' (tears), the respectful sorrow of the ancestral mother. The large eye sockets are washed with white chalk (kaolin), the color of the spiritual world. Completely Original Hairstyle: The absolute crowning jewel of this sculpture is the extensive wig made of hand-twisted and braided natural plant fibers and raffia cords. Through decades of use, the fibers have aged, changed color, and bear the scent of historical temple oil and soot. Forensic Analysis of the Interior (Wear Patina) The reverse side of the carved bowl provides undeniable, laboratory-worthy evidence of actual ceremonial use by a Chokwe dancer, completely free from 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 interior is deeply hollowed out with a traditional, manual chisel or curved adze, leaving a characteristic horizontal scale pattern in the wood. The surface shows an intense, dark, and mirror-smooth polished organic wear-sheen around the nose and eye areas, caused by prolonged skin contact. Product Details Representation: Chokwe Pwo Mask / Female Spirit (Tribal Art) Material: Hand-carved hardwood with kaolin, natural pigments, and original braided plant fiber hairstyle Origin / Culture: Democratic Republic of Congo / Angola (Chokwe tribe) Dating: Mid-20th Century (approx. 1950) – Fully antique ethnographic masterpiece Condition: Exceptional, verified tribal condition. Beautiful dark brown patina skin, hand-adzed reverse with intense wear-sheen, and a fully intact historical wig and fiber rim. 100% guaranteed free of nonsense. Dimensions H 32 × W 24 cm Additional details: - Brand: 1stbuddha - Style: Chokwe - Material: Hardhout - Material: Raffia - Material: Plantenvezel - Material: Kaolien - Material: Natuurlijke pigmenten - Material: Jute - Colour: Donkerbruin - Period: ca. 1950 - availability: in_stock
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionExcellentColorsWhiteSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup

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About this seller
Private seller
Damme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales