Makua Mask with Lip Plug

This minimalist mask from southeastern Tanzania/northeastern Mozambique likely dates to the 1950s or ’60s. It was exported from Tanzania in the 1990s. The presence of the lip plug almost certainly signifies that the mask represents a woman.

Makonde and Makua ritual and material culture have been inadequately studied. Both groups lived in isolated, frontier regions north and south of the Ruvuma River, in impoverished areas far from the capitals of their respective colonial overlords and, later, independent nations of Tanzania and Mozambique. The Makonde, whose heartland were plateau areas abutting the Ruvuma Valley, were especially isolated by terrain and distance from the coast, where seafaring trade introduced foreign goods and influences from Asia and later Europe. Isolation only delayed the inevitable absorption of global culture and dilution of Makonde and Makua traditions. Much of this process resulted from transactional relationships with the national economies and cultures infiltrating Makonde communities, but also Makonde migrant workers spending stretches in outside areas and returning with acquired tastes, knowledge and skills. While it lasted, isolation served not only to slow the breakdown of traditional culture, it also preserved articles of material culture in situ. This vintage, understated mask is provided without a base. $300

9″ H

Inquire About This Item