Angola
Chokwe
Wood, cotton fiber
Mid-Late 20th Century
Length: 14.25 in
Other – Regalia – Headdress

A classic female Pwo headdress of the Chokwe people of Angola.  It honors the founding female ancestors and is often danced at such ceremonies that honor the woman who has successfully given birth; fertility and prosperity rituals; male initiation rituals; and at entertainment events with the male counterpart, whose headdress is known as Chihongo (Cihongo) meaning ‘spirit of wealth’ used to symbolize wealth and power.

This female Pwo headdress displays graphic design motifs on the forehead and cheeks, an indication of beauty and sign of ethnic identity. These headdresses are also worn at initiation celebrations that mark the end of the bonds of intimacy between mothers and their sons.  This may be an indication of the lines on the face that allude to tears falling down the face. The hairstyle on the mask represents a common Chokwe women’s hairstyle called coat, which includes a braided headband and heavy fringe braid.  This headdress shows a newly replaced coat.