Chokwe Mask 2002

Tribe: Chokwe
Country of origin: Angola, Zambia

This mask is used by females only, usually by the mother of a son, in celebration of his completion of initiation into adulthood. It also symbolises the end of the maternal bond between a mother and her son at this time. The tear motif on the mask symbolises the sorrow and pride of the mother, during this celebratory event.