Superb Chokwe Pwo female ancestor Mask, refined, African art figure shell

Description

I purchased this mask in 2011 directly from the London tribal art gallery called
Arte Negro
. Here is their short description:
“Ethnic group: Chokwe
Country of Origin: Zaire (D.R. Cong), Angola
Material: wood, raffia, cloth
Approximate ag: Early- Mid 20
th
Century
Dimensions: 8” tall, 6” wide
8" tall (20cm) - mask only
My notes: wood, plant fiber, cowry shell
Here is what the Metropolitan Museum of art says about this type of mask:
“… example of Pwo, a classic Chokwe mask genre that honors founding female ancestors. Such representations are especially significant given that the Chokwe trace descent through their mothers' lines. Pwo's joint performance with her male counterpart, Cihongo, brings fertility and prosperity to a community. The cultural ideals of these two iconic representations developed during the precolonial period continue to inspire contemporary artists in the region.
Inscribed motifs on the mask's forehead and cheeks are classic graphic designs that aesthetically enhanced a woman's beauty in past generations and were signs of ethnic identity. The central cruciform on the forehead has been interpreted as a cosmogram while the markings on either cheek are described as a solar disc joined by tears. Chokwe masks are often performed at the celebrations that mark the completion of initiation into adulthood. That occasion also marks the dissolution of the bonds of intimacy between mothers and their sons. The pride and sorrow that event represents for Chokwe women is alluded to by the tear motif.”
Stand not included,
All my auctions are starting at .99 and no reserve. I have spent a great deal of money on my collection over the years, will see if I break even.
I am a private collector, and have acquired too much, my loss is your gain. I am not a professional in the tribal art field, so all items are sold “in the style of” per eBay policies.
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