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Chokwe African Female Fertility Mask 13"

Chokwe African Female Fertility Mask 13"

Item #2a37

This wood mask is a one of a kind mask, hand carved by the artists of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This is a Chokwe mask. The Chokwe people can be found living in Angola, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo. They are a relatively recent African civilization formed by intermarriage of two neighboring tribes. Therefore, the Chokwe can be found in small tribal groups occupying a wide area.

This is a female mask is of the Mwana Pwo class. It is an attendant counterpart of the male Chihongo mask but it serves different purposes. This mask celebrates the female beauty ideals and is associated with prayers for fertility and hunting success. It is also danced by male masqueraders in such a way that female personal grooming and grace are extolled and encouraged.

The cruciform tattoo made of triangles carved on the forehead is known as cingelyengelye. This cross dates back to the necklace crosses made from tin plates distributed among the Chokwe people in the 17th century by Capuchin monks from the Order of Christ of Portugal. These crosses were worn by the Chokwe as amulets and have become part of the people's traditions.

The plaited hairdo can be found worn by Chokwe women. It is called tota and covered in red earth. Its importance to the Chokwe female beauty grooming necessitates its addition to the mask despite the intricate coiffure already carved in. It is made long because long hair is deemed a highlight of beauty.

Click here to see all our African Masks. Please email info@lotusmasks.com or call us, (203) 554-2385.

Height: 13 inches
Width: 9 inches
Depth: 9 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Materials: Wood
Origin: Chokwe Tribe - Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Display Instructions: This mask looks great when displayed stand. Please contact us at info@lotusmasks.com for inexpensive stand suggestions.

Care: Dust the piece as needed.

Shipping is automatically calculated by UPS for shipping within the US and Canada. Each piece is usually shipped within 24 hours of the order with the exception of the weekend. If you are in Canada please select "UPS Standard to Canada" for the shipping option. If you are an international customer please select "TNT International Shipping" during checkout. The shipping will come out as $0 and will be added to your order. Please call 203-554-2385 or email us info@lotusmasks.com for a shipping quote. Click here for approximate UPS transit times. Lotus Masks uses Instapak foam injection packing system to insure that all our pieces arrive undamaged. Click here to learn more about Lotus Masks packing.

"I simply wanted to let you know that we rceived our rug today and it is unbelievably beautiful, much more lovely than in the photo. the background red is actually a rust color and is perfect for the room, and the many different shades of blues in the rug couldn't be better. it is an exquisite piece.

thanks so much"

Bob - California

"Hello Tim,

I did receive them last week and I am very pleased with each item. You have a good selection at reasonable prices. I'm sure I will be buying additional pieces in the future.
Thanks for the great service."

Mike - New Jersey

"Great mask Tim! I have it on the wall with my other 'collectable' masks. It's a perfect addition.

Thanks"

Pam - California

"Hello Tim,

I recieved the shipment in perfect condition and the packing was the best I have ever recieved! Impressive is an understatment. I am real happy with the Toma mask it exceeded my expectations. Thank you for the great service and follow up phone calls Tim. Its a pleasure to deal with professionals!!

Thank you and take care."

Bryan - Ontario

"Hi Tim,

We received the mask, it was a gift for some friends. They loved it!! Thank you so much for your e-mail and enjoy your day."

Sher - Florida

"Tim,

Thank you for your prompt and professional response to my orders. I expect to be checking your website frequently."

Ellis - North Carolina

"Hi, Tim:

The mask is everything I expected it to be. Beautiful. Great addition to my collection.

Thanks much."

Renee - New York

"Hi Tim,
masks arrived today ... they are stunning!
Bye"

Graziano - Rome, Italy

"The mask is beautiful! It arrived in perfect shape. Hard not to be a collector when I see the beauties that you offer. Thanks"

Mark - Maine

"Hello Tim

Sorry for the slight delay but I just wanted to say how delighted Nicola was with the mask and the picture. They were both in remarkably good condition given the amount of journeying they'd done and that space age packaging of yours is excellent.

Best regards and thanks again"

Ben - London