Makonde Wood Head Tanzania MATTER COLLECTION

The Makonde of Tanzania and Mozambique are one of the most prolific art-producing peoples in eastern Africa.

Their art is decorated with patterns of scarification in the form of zig-zag designs on the forehead and on the sides of the face. This elaborate scarification marks various stages of an initiate's passage into full maturity and adult responsibility; it literally marks a man's advancement in social, political, and ritual status. This scarification is represented most often by the application of thin lines of wax or, as in this mask, by carving onto the surface of the mask.

Has an old repair from the head to down the face, appearing as a dark stripe.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much.

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