Makishi Mask - Zambia

Rare Makishi mask from Luvale, Zambia - circa 1960s/1970s

Interesting Luvale mask rarely seen in private collections.

Traditional masks of Zambia, called Makishi, are major cultural and spiritual objects inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, mainly associated with the peoples of the North-West Province (Chokwe, Luvale, Lunda, Luchazi and Mbunda). (see UNESCO site video and photo https://ich.unesco.org/fr/RL/la-mascarade-makishi-00140).

They participate in the Makishi masquerade, which marks the end of mukanda, an annual initiation ritual for boys aged eight to twelve. This ritual is celebrated by the Vaka Chiyama Cha Mukwamayi communities to which the Luvale, Chokwe, Luchazi and Mbunda belong, peoples established in the North-West and Western provinces of Zambia.

The masks are worn on the top of the head (see photo), hence the somewhat flat shape and the position of the eyes.

Shipping: careful packaging in Colissimo with insurance.

The mask is made with a bamboo framework and a filling of vegetal material covered with a coating of pigments (red and white) and parchment.

Provenance: from an old French private collection

Good overall condition.