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What materials were used in the creation of the Female (Pwo) Mask by Chokwe Peoples from the DR of the Congo (Late 19th/Early 20th c)?

Option 1: Stone and metal
Option 2: Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal
Option 3: Ivory and clay
Option 4: Glass and fabric

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The Female (Pwo) Mask by the Chokwe Peoples was crafted using wood, fiber, pigment, and metal (Option 2). These materials are typical in the tradition of African mask-making, which often includes ornamentation to add significance and beauty.

Step-by-step explanation:

The creation of the Female (Pwo) Mask by the Chokwe Peoples from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating back to the Late 19th or Early 20th century, involved traditional materials representative of the region's artistic practices. The correct materials used in the mask are Option 2: Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal. These materials are aligned with common practices among African cultures, where masks are often carved from wood and adorned with various materials to add significance and aesthetic qualities.

For instance, similar to the Chokwe mask, the Kuba people specialized in mask-making and used diverse materials such as beads, cloth, and leather, as seen in their helmet masks like the mwashamboy. The Edo Queen Mother Pendant Mask from Nigeria, although from a different African culture, used materials like ivory, iron, and copper, showcasing the regional diversity in mask-making resources and techniques. It is important to understand the variety of materials and techniques utilized across different African cultures for creating masks, as it reflects their unique cultural and artistic expressions.

Answer: Option 2: Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal

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