Mwana Po mask

Chowke people, West Africa

13 inches, stained wood

The Chowke idealization of feminine beauty is symbolized by the Mwana Po mask, which is meant to represent a female ancestor when she was a lovely young woman. The Chokwe people, sometimes spelled Tshokwe, have the most refined court art in all of Africa. Depending on where they live, the Tshokwe are also known as Lwena, Luvale, Luchazi, Mbunda, Nkoya, Songo and Lunda, all of which have a common language and history. They cover a vast area of Angola and Congo, plus a portion of Western Zambia.