Chokwe African Wood Mask Pwo Motherhood Hand Carved Fiber Hair 12\" X 9\" Vintage For Sale

Mask

This hand-carved wooden mask tells a story of elegance and cultural reverence. Modeled after the Pwo (or Mwana Pwo) masks of the Chokwe people, this piece represents the idealized feminine ancestor—a symbol of fertility, grace, and the matriarchal bond.

The face is finished in a rich, earthy terracotta pigment, highlighting the delicate \"coffee bean\" slit eyes and the traditional scarification carved into the forehead and cheeks. These marks represent the inner beauty and lived experience of the woman it portrays.

What truly sets this piece apart is the substantial hand-woven fiber headdress. This natural raffia-style hair is intricately braided and coiled, creating a tactile, crown-like frame that transitions from the smooth hardwood to a rugged, organic texture.

Condition Note: To preserve its history and character, this mask has not been cleaned and remains in the original condition it was in when obtained. It carries an untouched patina and shows natural wear consistent with age, offering an authentic \"as-found\" aesthetic for the discerning collector.

Culture: Chokwe Style (Central/Southern Africa)

Material: Hardwood, Natural Plant Fiber

Object Type: Mask with Headdress

Features: Hand Carved, Pigmented Details, Woven Fiber Hair, Original Uncleaned Condition

Approximate Dimensions: 12\" x 10\" X 6\"

Condition: Pre-owned/Vintage shows natural surface wear and aging of fibers

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