Belly mask Makonde Ndimu, Tanzania

Makonde ndimu ventral mask, tanzania african art, african mask, tribal art, fertility mask condition: excellent dimensions: h57 cm l30 cm d23 cm 📪 collection method at the buyer's choice: - collection by hand from la celle saint cloud ( 78170), le vesinet (78110) or paris 15 (bir hakeim) - no sending by post but possible sending by carrier with the carrier of your choice. Traditional njorowe wooden mask representing the body of a pregnant woman. These very unusual and distinctive masks are known as lipiko or lipico and are worn on the forehead during ceremonies celebrating the return of boys from the bush camp, as well as other initiation ceremonies for boys and girls. They depict a young pregnant woman known as amwali ndembo. Among the makonde, access to adult status was obtained following an initiation, the unyago, for both young men and young girls. Young makonde boys and girls must undergo a period of seclusion of approximately six months, during which they are taught songs, dances (mapico) and practical activities. This initiation ended with festive ceremonies featuring male midimu dancers (sing. Ndimu). The latter appeared with their bust hidden under this mask equipped with breasts and the belly of a pregnant woman.