Makishi Mask - Zambia

Rare Makishi mask Luvale, Zambia - around 1960s/70s Interesting Luvale mask, not often represented in private collections. The traditional masks of Zambia, called makishi, are major cultural and spiritual objects inscribed on UNESCO's intangible heritage list, primarily associated with the peoples of the North-West Province (Chokwe, Luvale, Lunda, Luchazi and Mbunda). (see UNESCO site video and photo https://ich.unesco.org/fr/RL/la-mascarade-makishi-00140). They participate in the Makishi masquerade which marks the end of mukanda, an annual initiation rite for boys eight to twelve years old. This ritual is celebrated by the Vaka Chiyama Cha Mukwamayi communities to which the Luvale, Chokwe, Luchazi and Mbunda belong, peoples living in the North-West and Western provinces of Zambia. The masks are worn on the top of the head (see photo), hence the somewhat flat shape and the position of the eyes. Shipping: carefully packaged in Colissimo with insurance. The mask is made with a bamboo framework and a filling of plant materials covered with an coating of pigment (red and white) over parchment. Origin: former French private collection Good overall condition.

Estimate:$364.03

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