A Chokwe mask, Angola or RDC, of rectangular shape, composed of expressive features of an opened mouth showing teeth, short nose, coffee bean eyes slit at their center, crescent like eyebrows, ears on the sides of the face, a marking at the middle of the forehead, scarifications on teh cheeks, the hair is pulled up in three braids, the face is painted in bright red which makes this piece striking and outstanding. Signs of use. "Such representations are especially significant given that the Chokwe trace descent through their mothers' lines. Pwo's joint performance with her male counterpart, Cihongo, brings fertility and prosperity to a community. The cultural ideals of these two iconic representations developed during the precolonial period continue to inspire contemporary artists in the region." Source: The MET museum.