Empire 45 Magazine

Piedmont Cotillions - Greensboro, NC and Surrounding Areas
27407

Empire45 magazine focuses on black owned businesses, people of color, HBCU,community urban buzz

03/31/2026

Mask from the Chokwe people, Angola 🇦🇴 Africa .

The Chokwe of Angola use a beautiful mask , called Mwana Pwo, in their initiation ceremonies known as Mukanda .
Although they are exclusively worn by man. Mwana Pwo masks represent female ancestors and emphasize the features that are most admired in young woman .
The closed mouth and eyes show that she deserves respect .
Late 19th century-early 20th century.
Made from wood ,fiber, brass and pigment.

Photo by Mary Harrsch at the Art Institute Chicago, Illinois , Chicago.