Makonde Njorowe belly mask
Masks and initiation rituals among the Makonde
Men mime women
Among the Makonde, tradition has it that this belly reminds one of an African Pygmalion. This pregnant woman's womb is part of the initiation material for young boys. A dance will stage the birth. The passage to adult life is carried out for girls and boys through initiation rituals. The latter are recluse for several months to practice their main future activities. The initiation rituals include training in sexuality as well as the obligations of married life. At the end of the boys' isolation, festivities are organised, and the return to community life is celebrated with ceremonies; one of the most important, after the circumcision of the adolescents, is the bringing out of the Ndimu mask which evokes a young pregnant woman. The suggestive power of this monoxylous accessory is due to the appearance of the swollen breasts and, above all, to the shape of the blossoming belly.
01728
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 58 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection United Kingdom
- Condition
- Excellent
Masks and initiation rituals among the Makonde
Men mime women
Among the Makonde, tradition has it that this belly reminds one of an African Pygmalion. This pregnant woman's womb is part of the initiation material for young boys. A dance will stage the birth. The passage to adult life is carried out for girls and boys through initiation rituals. The latter are recluse for several months to practice their main future activities. The initiation rituals include training in sexuality as well as the obligations of married life. At the end of the boys' isolation, festivities are organised, and the return to community life is celebrated with ceremonies; one of the most important, after the circumcision of the adolescents, is the bringing out of the Ndimu mask which evokes a young pregnant woman. The suggestive power of this monoxylous accessory is due to the appearance of the swollen breasts and, above all, to the shape of the blossoming belly.