The head of this finely carved staff depicts pwo, an ancestral female spirit that encourages fertility and is archetypal of feminine beauty in Lwena society. The narrow eyes usually reflect that a deceased person is being depicted. The simple, beautifying facial scarification on the forehead and sides of the face, as well as the filed teeth, refined nose and cushion, cross-hatched coiffure, are characteristic of works by the Lwena peoples. All of these qualities, including the brass addition adorning the center of her head, show prestige and wealth. In Lwena society structure, women play important roles, including that of chief, thus much of their artistic efforts are focused on depicting women and female ancestors of beauty and status.
