Makonde Miniature Pregnant Belly Mask Tanzania
Width: 6.0
Depth: 3.5
Description
Female body masks, depicting a torso with breasts, a pregnant belly, and sometimes scarification patterns, promoted fertility and came from the Makonde people. Women play an important role in Makonde mythology and art. The legend is that a man carved a figure of a woman, fell asleep, and awoke to find that the statue had come to life. She gave him many children and later became a venerated ancestress. The Makonde have an ancestress cult. Female body masks, depicting a torso with breasts, a pregnant belly, and sometimes scarification patterns, promoted fertility. This female body mask was part of the costume of a special ndimu masker called amwalindembo presenting a young pregnant woman. The mask was worn by a man and his performances emphasize the difficulty of childbirth.
Depth (in)
3.5
Width (in)
6.0
Height (in)
17.0
148888
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century
People: Makonde
Country of Origin: Tanzania, Mozambique
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.