Body mask of a pregnant woman "ndimu" ·  Tanzania, Makonde · ID: 3037037

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint, prominent navel, incised scarifications, drilled holes around the rim for attachment, slightly dam., cracks, strong abrasion of paint above all around the rim/traces of usage, missing parts at the same place, metal base;
the female body mask was used at initiation rites. It was part of the costume of a “ndimu”-mask dancer, called “amwalin-dembo”, depicting a pregnant woman. It was always worn by a male dancer and was supplemented by a face mask. The dance demonstrated the pain of birth.