Pwo mask dancer, near Gungu, Congo (Democratic Republic)

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Object Details

Local Numbers: EENG-VI-20, 9.
General: Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note: Typed index card reads, "E 3 Ckw. Chokwe. Zaire, near Gungu. Mask repr. female (Mwana Pwo); traveling entertainers in Pende area. 12/1970. EE. neg.no. VI-20, 9." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.

Topic: Masquerades; Masks; Clothing and dress -- Africa; Headdresses -- headgear -- Africa; Dance

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Congo (Democratic Republic) / EENG / 1970

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Type: Archival materials; Negatives (photographic); Black-and-white negatives; Negatives

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: "The mask called Pwo, woman, or Mwana Pwo, young girl, is the symbolic pendant to the male mask, Cihongo, and evokes the female ancestress, propitious for the fertility of the tribe. Dressed with care and charm, the dancer moves with elegance in front of the audience and teaches the spectators grace and good manners. She holds a rattle or a fly-whisk in her hand (Bastin 1982: ill.28)." [Bastin M.-L., 1993: The Akishi Spirits of the Chokwe, Face of the spirit]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Westinghouse Film and traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.