Mwana Pwo Mask

Mwana Pwo masquerade is performed during initiation ceremonies for young men, and portrays Mwana Pwo, a primordial female ancestor portrayed as beautiful young women. The beaded coiffure and lines of scarification on the face enhance its beauty. The hair on the head is made with segments of cane tubing threaded through raphia fibres. Knots tied between segments and at the end of each strand hold the segments in place. This mask was evidently newly made when it was purchased and does not seem to have been used.