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Chokwe, Initiation Mask
Tribe: Chokwe (Bachokwe, Bajokwe)
Region: Angola and southern part of Democratic Republic of Congo
Size: 9.5"
Weight: 7oz
Material: wood
At the remote bush camp outside the village, young initiates prepare themselves
to receive important instructions before they reach adult status in their
society. It is called the "mukanda". Boys are being taught the history
and tradition of their tribe. They learn what it means to be a man, what
responsibility it brings and are given some sex instruction in preparation
for family life. They also make a mask and are instructed how to wear
it. During their stay in a bush camp (for up to two years), boys' mothers
and other women in the village "communicate" with them with
the help of different masks. The camp itself is watched over by guardians
wearing masks and close-fitted woven costumes.
Masks like this one play an important role in the circumcision and initiation
ceremony . The person wearing this kind of mask gives the signal for departure
of the boys to the village. They all wear their own (specially made for the occasion)
masks, which are supposed to arouse the admiration of the villagers.
Made of light wood, the mask presents the main tribal features: semicircular eyebrows
and round eye-sockets with slit eyes, wide mouths with perfectly incised
teeth. The cruciform tribal mark called the "cingelyengelye" appears on the forehead.
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