Chewa Nyau Society Mask, Malawi

$ 1,400.00 $ 2,800.00
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  • Chewa Mask, Malawi
  • A carved wooden Mask with a greenish blue pigment accented with black paint and adorned with old burlap bag strips and raffia grass, with obvious age and field use.
  • The Chewa of Malawi and Zambia are primarily an agricultural People with a Matrilineal Social Structure. The Nyau Society consists of both male and female Initiates, with different rituals and roles ascribed to each. Masks are worn by male members of the Society only. Nyau Masks may have several uses. Most commonly, the Mask is considered to embody the Spirit of a Deceased Ancestor, and therefore the Masquerader has "immunity for any acts while masked".
  • Some Masks embody undesirable social traits and are accompanied by derisive songs; these are used for instruction of the Young. Nyau Society Masks are danced at most major life events, including Adult Initiation, the elevation of a new Chief, and Funerals.
  • Masks may be made of wood, leather, feathered nets, or basketry that resembles an animal and fits over the entire body.
  • Features: Masks frequently have stylized, sometimes exaggerated features, such as prominent cheekbones, gaping mouths, and sometimes, inlaid or painted teeth, and are often fitted with fabric, feathers, or fur to conceal the Dancer.
    Types and Subjects:
    Ancestral Spirits: Representations of Spirits or Ancestors.
    Animal Spirits: Masks representing local Fauna and Bush Spirits.
    Social Critiques/ Foreigners: Caricatures of outsiders, including British Colonial Officers, Missionaries, and Traders.
    Specific Characters: Popular characters include "Simoni" (representing a British Official) and others mocking Foreign Values.
    Function: Beyond their artistic value, these Masks are used in performances to educate, entertain, and maintain Social, and Ancestral, Connections. 
  • Measurements: The Mask measures approx 10 inches tall.
  • No display stand included
  • Provenance: Dr Michael Conner, Ill, USA. (Likely field collected by him as well)

Pickup available at 16 East 17th Street

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