Decorated with natural pigments, the body of this fine Makonde mask, Ndimu, features a series of fine dot decorations below and above the pointed breasts. These markings would denote traditional body tattooing. Makings also appear on either side of the navel.
Female body masks such as these were traditionally involved in Makonde initiation rites. These ‘coming-out’ ceremonies involved male circumcision and doctrination on the secrets of gender, the rules of adult behaviour, sex, and the rights and obligations of married life. The accompanying celebrations included feasts, dance, and masquerades. The mask was intended to represent a young woman, and would have been worn by a male masked dancer.
Ex Private Collection, UK
Estimated Period: Mid 20th Century
Height: 49 cm
Reference
T. Phillips (1999) Africa: The Art of a Continent, p. 175
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