Chokwe Pwo Mask This Chokwe mask was collected by Maurice Matton, the Belgian Police Commissionaire du Katanga 1920-1937. He was very active throughout the region and was an avid collector. He organized an exhibit at the Governors House in 1927 and this mask and numerous other pieces were on display on card tables set up in the garden. Matton returned to Belgium in the late 1930’s with a large collection. The Musee du Congo Belge at Tervuren has a number of his objects and many are published in art books without his attribution since he was a source for Jerandiere, Bruno Conti and others. Matton's field notes and documents shed light on the interaction of different groups and the power of a number of lesbian mediums "Bifikwa." Their power at that time was enormous and many developed their own artistic style, which was a mixture of various surrounding stylistic groups and visions. This period of innovation and the rise of these mediums were probably directly connected to the growth of control and forced social upheaval by the Belgians. The Chokwe and Lunda moved up into this southern section of Katanga influencing the indigenous groups they were now intermixed with, but also coming under the influence themselves of this powerful "bifikwa" movement. The expression on this mask is very unusual. Louise Bastin only recalled seeing a few other examples with similar down turned mouths. The mask is in perfect condition. It was likely used in circumcision ceremonies and represents the mother of the initiate. She is weeping for her boy's loss to manhood. Photos | Africa Index