Chokwe Mwana Pwo Mask orginates from the the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name Mwana Pwo means young maiden. The mask represents a female ancestor who died young and thus is a reminder of the theme of death, which is a part of the initiation experience of life, and death. It has been suggested that the scarification marks under the eyes symbolizes the pain of death that occurs throughout human life. The mask would have been used to keep bad spirits at bay and bring good fortune to the village. The wear of the mask would have put on a tight fitted net costume, which would cover him completely and through the power of dance bring fertility and good fortune to the village.