Makonde Wood Body Mask

Carved as a pregnant woman's body, it was traditionally danced by men.

This body mask comes from the Makonde peoples of Tanzania, 20th century, made of wood. Makonde body masks of this kind were worn during masquerades connected with initiation, by male dancers who represented expectant women and conveyed respect for fertility and motherhood. The smooth dark brown surface forms breasts above a rounded belly, with incised lines and a chevron band marking the abdomen in patterns recalling scarification. A short strand of red beads runs at the chest. Cloth edges the back. Twenty-three and a half inches high.

An object made to teach. It still has that gravity.