African Arts Gallery

French African Art Collection J. Anquetil, President of French Crafts, comedian who became master weaver having been initiated among the Dogon of Mali, and author of several books including "Africa, the Hands of the World" published by Solar Editions.
Accompanying the mukanda ceremonies, this mask offers discreet scarifications, unpierced eyes, and a prominent chin. Smooth red patina, satin surface.
The masks of the Chokwe, Luda, Luvale/Lwena, Luchazi and Mbunda clans are called "makishi" (sing. likishi) in Zambia. This name comes from "kishi", a Bantu concept that evokes the manifestation of a spirit or an ancestor. These agents of social, moral and spiritual order, forming a panel of different characters, sociable, aggressive, or unpredictable, in fact embody the spirit of an illustrious ancestor (male or female), their appearance manifesting itself mainly during rites mukanda, including circumcision, during which their true identity must remain hidden from the eyes of the profane. Their accessories and their behavior, depending on the case, symbolize moral values, highlight fertility, or even parody strangers.