Anthropomorphic mask ·  Malawi / Zambia / Mozambique, Maravi - Chewa · ID: 3040712

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, wooden splinters forming eyelashes and teeth, moustache and chin beard from animal skin, min. dam., small missing parts, traces of insect caused damage and abrasion;
the mask figures of “nyau” were looked upon as wild animals “zirombo”, who could not be made responsible for their behaviour. They are danced at initiation rites for educational purposes, which is why they had to look frightening and horrible (“oiepa”).