Mwana Pwo (Pwevo) Mask - Lovale People, Zambia

Wood, fiber, beads.
Masks of this type are made by the Lwena people in Angola and their counterparts, the Lovale (or Luvale) in Zambia. These masks approximate the usage of the more famous Chokwe 'Pwo' masks, representing a founding female ancestor who also acts as a guardian of the boys during initiation and sequestration in the bush-camp.
The rounder features of this mask point to it possibly having been made by the Zambian Lovale, or in the hinterland area of Angola and Zambia.

Instead of Pwo, it is called Pwevo in Zambia, and goes by the name "Makishi Mwana Pwevo"
This wooden mask portraying a young female is danced ( by a male) at the completion of the initiation ceremonies (mukanda). It imparts fertility to the spectators.
The tightly fitted knit costume worn with the masks include false breasts.

The Mask measures 21" including its custom 6" x 8"stand. It appears to have age with the delicate beads on the back.
Width: 7 ½" x Depth: 9".

From the collection of Valerie Barnard Webster.

When you enlarge the thumbnail image to reveal lots of different images of the mask, we have included a field photo from a 1920's post card featuring a masked performer.