Title:
Makonde Dance Mask
Object Name:
Mask, Dance, Makonde
Other Name:
Mask, Dance, Ritual
Place of Origin:
Makonde, Tanzania / Mozambique, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
The Makonde are an ethnic group in southeast Tanzania and northern Mozambique. The Makonde developed their culture on the Mueda Plateau in Mozambique. At present they live throughout Tanzania and Mozambique and have a small presence in Kenya.
The Makonde successfully resisted predation by African, Arab, and European slavers. They did not fall under colonial power until the 1920s. During the 1960s the revolution which drove the Portuguese out of Mozambique was launched from the Makonde homeland of the Mueda Plateau. At one period this revolutionary movement known as 'Frelimo' derived a part of its financial support from the sale of Makonde carvings. The Makonde are best known for their wood carvings and their observances of puberty rites.
The Makonde are an ethnic group in southeast Tanzania and northern Mozambique. The Makonde developed their culture on the Mueda Plateau in Mozambique. At present they live throughout Tanzania and Mozambique and have a small presence in Kenya.
The Makonde successfully resisted predation by African, Arab, and European slavers. They did not fall under colonial power until the 1920s. During the 1960s the revolution which drove the Portuguese out of Mozambique was launched from the Makonde homeland of the Mueda Plateau. At one period this revolutionary movement known as 'Frelimo' derived a part of its financial support from the sale of Makonde carvings. The Makonde are best known for their wood carvings and their observances of puberty rites.
Description:
Oval—shaped wooden dance mask with heart—shaped concave facial area, slightly protruding brow with large protruding triangular—shaped nose. Oval—shaped protruding eyes with pierced slit centers, oval—shaped open pierced mouth. Two crescent—shaped scarification marks on either cheek. Small circular ears, dark brown patina over entire surface. Light yellow raffia beard starting just over ears, and extending around entire lower half of face.
Collection:
Guy Mace Collection, (Turblex Company)
Material:
Wood W/Patina and Raffia
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Painting / Weaving
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2015.2.9
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Front View
Front View, Close-Up
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View
Front View
Front View, Close-Up
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View