Makonde Njorowe belly mask - SOLD OUT
Belly mask in african art
A wooden njorowe mask representing the body of a pregnant female. The surface is covered in a rich ochre colour and the form is smoothly carved to reveal the forms of the body. The breasts are full and hang down, the nipples accentuated with black pigment. The belly is swollen and displays a distended navel. To the side the mask has a black band with a series of holes for the attachment of a raffia fringe.
These highly unusual and distinctive masks are known as lipiko, and are worn on the forehead at ceremonies that celebrate the return of boys from bush camp, as well as other initiation ceremonies for boys and girls. They represent a pregnant young woman known as amwali ndembo. The Makonde are matrilineal and hold women in high regard. They trace their origins to a female ancestor who was carved from wood by the first man. In the creation tale, the woman became real and gave birth to the first man’s many children, who would go on to become the Makonde people.
01287
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1950
- Size
- 35,5 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Luxembourg
- Condition
- Very good
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Belly mask in african art
A wooden njorowe mask representing the body of a pregnant female. The surface is covered in a rich ochre colour and the form is smoothly carved to reveal the forms of the body. The breasts are full and hang down, the nipples accentuated with black pigment. The belly is swollen and displays a distended navel. To the side the mask has a black band with a series of holes for the attachment of a raffia fringe.
These highly unusual and distinctive masks are known as lipiko, and are worn on the forehead at ceremonies that celebrate the return of boys from bush camp, as well as other initiation ceremonies for boys and girls. They represent a pregnant young woman known as amwali ndembo. The Makonde are matrilineal and hold women in high regard. They trace their origins to a female ancestor who was carved from wood by the first man. In the creation tale, the woman became real and gave birth to the first man’s many children, who would go on to become the Makonde people.