Description:

Central Africa, Angola /Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chokwe peoples, ca. 19th or early 20th century CE. A carved wood pwo mask of an idealized woman's face, with pointed teeth and incised scarification along the chin, cheeks, and nose. The surface is painted in black and red paint for a striking contrast and is topped and backed by a woven vegetal fiber hood with loop stitching. Such maiden spirit masks were traditionally created to honor the founding female ancestors of the Chokwe peoples. The original Chokwe name "pwo" referred to an adult woman who had given birth. The Chokwe trace their ancestry through their maternal lines and the pwo masks are often used at initiation rites to welcome people into the adult world. Size: 11" H (27.9 cm)

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Dr. Milton Best collection, acquired from Royal Athena Gallery, New York, USA, 1988; ex-Sotheby's Important Tribal Art, London, UK, June 29, 1987, lot 224

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. IMPORTANT EXCEPTION We are currently unable to ship to Australia, Germany or Switzerland due to customs regulations.

#182320

  • Condition: Choice.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 16, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000