Culture: Makonde people, southern Tanzania or northern MozambiqueTitle: Female body mask (njorowe or ndimu)Date: Probably mid-20th centuryMedium: Carved and darkly patinated woodOverall dimensions: 59 × 29 cm
A large carved wooden female body mask associated with the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Hollowed from a single piece of wood, it represents an elongated female torso with prominent breasts and a rounded abdomen.
The linear design surrounding the projecting navel represents traditional Makonde scarification and tattooing, with such naval markings believed to possess protective properties.
Body masks of this type were traditionally worn by male masqueraders during initiation performances, together with a female face or helmet mask. The dancer assumed the character of a pregnant woman and enacted pregnancy and childbirth, connecting the performance with fertility, adulthood and social instruction. A closely related example is identified as a njorowe by theLam Museum of Anthropology, while theHood Museum of Art uses both njorowe and ndimu.
The deeply hollowed reverse reflects its original conception as a wearable body mask. It has subsequently been fitted with wire for display as a wall-mounted sculptural object.
Condition:Remains solid but with considerable surface wear, rubbing, scratches and small losses consistent with age, handling and possible use. Areas of the lighter wood are visible beneath the dark surface, particularly around the edges and projecting elements. There are old fixing holes and later hanging fittings verso, together with a small loss at the lower edge. Please examine all photographs, which form part of the description. Further photographs and condition information are available on request.
View this item on our eBay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267764054491
Culture: Makonde people, southern Tanzania or northern MozambiqueTitle: Female body mask (njorowe or ndimu)Date: Probably mid-20th centuryMedium: Carved and darkly patinated woodOverall dimensions: 59 × 29 cm
A large carved wooden female body mask associated with the Makonde people of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. Hollowed from a single piece of wood, it represents an elongated female torso with prominent breasts and a rounded abdomen.
The linear design surrounding the projecting navel represents traditional Makonde scarification and tattooing, with such naval markings believed to possess protective properties.
Body masks of this type were traditionally worn by male masqueraders during initiation performances, together with a female face or helmet mask. The dancer assumed the character of a pregnant woman and enacted pregnancy and childbirth, connecting the performance with fertility, adulthood and social instruction. A closely related example is identified as a njorowe by theLam Museum of Anthropology, while theHood Museum of Art uses both njorowe and ndimu.
The deeply hollowed reverse reflects its original conception as a wearable body mask. It has subsequently been fitted with wire for display as a wall-mounted sculptural object.
Condition:Remains solid but with considerable surface wear, rubbing, scratches and small losses consistent with age, handling and possible use. Areas of the lighter wood are visible beneath the dark surface, particularly around the edges and projecting elements. There are old fixing holes and later hanging fittings verso, together with a small loss at the lower edge. Please examine all photographs, which form part of the description. Further photographs and condition information are available on request.
View this item on our eBay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/267764054491
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