Mask and partial costume (Mbundu artist)
Unknown
Description
Subject Matter:
This mask, created and worn by the Mbunda people, was collected in the early 1990s in Northwest Zambia by Manuel Jordán. The character portrayed by this mask, as photographed in situ by Manuel Jordán when he collected it, is most likely a hunter, given the weapon, a sack on the back of the sort used for carrying game meat, the feathers, and small piece of animal jawbone hanging from the mouth (now missing). The mask was performed with a costume of painted barkcloth that is stiff but can be lifted from the ground to twirl or sway back and forth. While little remains known about this specific mask, the Mbunda people have a tradition of makisi, a form of dance and costume associated with mukanda, the male circumcision rite. The performance of makisi aims to portray ancestral Mbunda society and teaches to respect the ancestors. Each mask becomes a different character, including the hunters, Kajenjela and Sachihongo. Each of the characters have their own dance style, including the hunters who wear a frame costume to hide their hips. The mask and costume come alive when worn by someone; different performers bring to life different characters and present ever-changing interpretations of the mask.
Physical Description:
Headdress with a dark red textile cap and mask. The neck covering is made with woven cord, feathers, and green fabric on the top of the cap. Two strips of animal hide are tied to either side of the mask.
Usage Rights:
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