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The Chokwe people are an ethnic group from Central and Southern Africa, mainly from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. They are known for their distinctive art, particularly their masks. Chokwe masks are typically carved from wood and adorned with various materials such as cowrie shells, animal hair, and fiber. The masks are uséd in traditional ceremonies and rituals, particularly during initiation ceremonies and funerals. They are also uséd in performances and other cultural events. Chokwe masks often depict human or animal figures and are intended to represent spirits or ancestral beings. Some of the common features of Chokwe masks include large, almond-shaped eyes, a prominent forehead, and a protruding mouth. The masks may also have scarification marks, which are a common form of body art among the Chokwe people. Chokwe masks are highly prized by collectors and art enthusiasts. They are considered to be some of the finest examples of African art, with their intricate designs and attention to detail. Many museums and galleries around the world have collections of Chokwe masks on display. During one version of a Mukanda dance a masked figure known as Pwo, a Chokwe ancestor, representing an adult female, mature and beautiful who is dignified and spiritual reflecting all the positive attributes of an ideal woman who can serve as a Chokwe role model. The Pwo mask dances in tandem with other masks known aincluding the bird mask. Among the Chokwe the symbol of bird is associated to positive forces uséd in to protect the community. When dancing, bird masks spread positive forces that guarantee fecundity and fertility. This finely carved mask is worn on the face. It would be completed with a woven netting costume. Basically, the dancer sees through the eyes or the nose's holes of the mask. **139546** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2023 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. |
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Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. Customer Service: We treasure our many long term customers, and will try to make you one of them! If you have problems, please tell us... we care! Handling Time: We ship daily except Sundays and holidays. Most orders go out the same day, and all go out within 48 hours. Returns: We want you to be happy with your purchase. You're welcome to return an item within 30 days in the same condition you received it--just let us know you're returning it. You may have either a credit or a refund for your purchase price, not including shipping both ways. If your original payment was made through PayPal, we'll refund you through PayPal; if you paid us directly with your credit card, we'll refund the credit card. Combining Shipping: You are welcome to wait to pay, and to combine multiple items for shipping. We ask that you keep each order to 10 days or 10 items, whichever comes first--then start another order. When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card. U.S. Shipping: Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials uséd is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. . International Shipping: We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. We also ship via FedEx or DHL on request. Import duties, taxes, and charges are NOT INCLUDED in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding / buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. And please do not ask us to mark merchandise values below the actual value or mark items as "gifts"--U.S. and International government regulations prohibit such behavior. Newsletter, previews and special offers: Sign up for our newsletter |
