African Arts Gallery

African Art Makonde.
In addition to the African face masks worn during mapiko dances and ngoma ceremonies that educate young people about the demands of marriage and family life, the Makonde also produce body masks depicting the female bust, such as this copy, this old mask coated with a red patina. Abraded matte patina. Internal halos from use, desiccation cracks. Young Makonde boys and girls must submit to a period of seclusion of about six months, during which they are taught songs, dances and practical activities. The rules of behavior in adulthood, sexual life and the obligations of marriage are discussed. This initiation ended with festive ceremonies featuring male midimu (sing. ndimu) dancers. The latter, wearing a female mask paired with a costume whose ensemble is called amwalindembo, mimicked the suffering accompanying childbirth. Source: "Africa, the Art of a continent" ed. Prestel