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Object Name: Mask
Artist: Pwevo or Nalindele (royal woman)
Cultural Group: Luvale peoples
Place of Origin: Zambia
Date/Era: Late 19th-20th century
Dimensions: H: 26.0 cm, W: 19.0 cm, D: 9.0 cm (H: 10.2 in, W: 7.5 in, D: 3.5 in)
Medium/Materials: Wood, plant fiber
Credit Line: Museum purchase with funds provided by Jay T. Last.
Accession Number: X2002.33.8
This Luvale mask represents Nalindele, a version of Pwevo (the woman), favored in some areas of western Zambia. It features large chijingo, or cross-within-a-circle scarification rosettes, on the cheeks and downward-pointing triangular motifs on the forehead below arched elements resembling a royal headband. The elaborate scarification and heaband are indicative of maturity and high social rank..