Makonde, Tanzania, Mozambique: A female body mask, called ‘Ndimu’.
In the whole of Africa, only two peoples have produced these body masks: the Yoruba in Nigeria (only female body masks) and the Makonde in Tanzania and Mozambique (female and male). Among the Makonde, male dancers use these masks, in combination with matching helmet or face masks, for the theatrical representation of women’s labour pains.
The present Makonde body mask, called ‘Ndimu’, is made of very lightweight wood and depicts the body of a young pregnant woman. Its front side is coloured yellowish and white, the breasts as well as the scarification marks in relief are accentuated with black.
A stunningly thin piece, with good usage patina (also on the back, on the inside!). With the exception of minor colour abrasion as a result of protracted use (on the front), there is no damage!
First half of the 20th century; H: 51 cm; W: 23 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Walu Gallery, Zurich, purchased on 28.9.1996 (receipt enclosed); then: Viennese Private Collection. Lit.:'Tanzania' by Marc L. Felix & Maria Kecskesi, fig. 273–277; 'Shangaa. Art of Tanzania' by Gary van Wyk, ill. fig. 3.1, fig. 3.6.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
26.05.2015 - 15:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 1,250.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 2,000.- to EUR 3,000.-
Makonde, Tanzania, Mozambique: A female body mask, called ‘Ndimu’.
In the whole of Africa, only two peoples have produced these body masks: the Yoruba in Nigeria (only female body masks) and the Makonde in Tanzania and Mozambique (female and male). Among the Makonde, male dancers use these masks, in combination with matching helmet or face masks, for the theatrical representation of women’s labour pains.
The present Makonde body mask, called ‘Ndimu’, is made of very lightweight wood and depicts the body of a young pregnant woman. Its front side is coloured yellowish and white, the breasts as well as the scarification marks in relief are accentuated with black.
A stunningly thin piece, with good usage patina (also on the back, on the inside!). With the exception of minor colour abrasion as a result of protracted use (on the front), there is no damage!
First half of the 20th century; H: 51 cm; W: 23 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Walu Gallery, Zurich, purchased on 28.9.1996 (receipt enclosed); then: Viennese Private Collection. Lit.:'Tanzania' by Marc L. Felix & Maria Kecskesi, fig. 273–277; 'Shangaa. Art of Tanzania' by Gary van Wyk, ill. fig. 3.1, fig. 3.6.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 26.05.2015 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 20.05. - 26.05.2015 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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