Makonde Mask Tanzania

Makonde artists embellish masks with human hair, sometimes adding pegs for teeth and whitening the eyes to enhance realism. The masks may also display human deformities and lip plugs, reflecting historical cultural practices. Scarification patterns, often represented by thin lines of wax or carved onto the mask's surface, symbolize different stages of initiation and a man's progression in social, political, and ritual status. The wood used in crafting these masks is known as njala. Overall, these masks are a rich expression of Makonde culture, encapsulating their traditions, beliefs, and societal transitions.

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