CHOKWE MASK

Chokwe masks are culturally significant artifacts from the Chokwe people of Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are meticulously crafted from wood and decorated with materials like raffia, beads, and paint, often featuring intricate scarification patterns that reflect social and spiritual ideals.

Key types of Chokwe masks include:

• Pwo (Female Mask): Represents femininity, fertility, and ancestral mothers, celebrating grace and the continuity of life.
• Cihongo (Male Mask): Symbolizes authority, wealth, and leadership, associated with prosperity and male power.

Chokwe masks are used in initiation rites, storytelling, and ceremonies, emphasizing the community's respect for ancestors and traditional values. They are both artistic and deeply symbolic expressions of identity and spirituality.