Chewa mask, Malawi / Zambia

Magnificent dance mask of the initiates of the company "Nyau", covered with a luminous turquoise blue paint, the small eyes outlined in black in the middle of a chubby face with a rounded forehead, a flat nose and a prominent chin. This copy features a loose hairstyle made up of pieces of fabric that fly in the air during the dance, and the metallic teeth inside the red painted mouth reinforce the impression of fear. It is worn during educational initiation rituals by young men in full costumes.

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Origin
Ex Collection of a former French diplomat in Africa
Herbelin - Cultures and Cults of the World - December 19, 2020 Chinon
Collection Eve Begalli, Grenoble, acquired during this sale