Face mask "midimu"
Tanzania, Makua
not available anymore
Provenance
Peter Loebarth, Hameln, Germany (2001)Bernhard Jäger, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
Size
H: 21,5 cm
H: 8.5 inch
Description
wood, reddish brown patina, dark paint remains, small see holes, pierced mouth with singular carved teeth, min. dam., small missing parts, cracks, traces of insect caused damage, base;
the “midimu” (“spirit”) masks appeared at the end of circumcision rites, when the young boys and girls returned from the bush camps. The masquerades fulfilled ritual as well as educational functions.
Publications
AHDRC: 0142046