Animal Mask – Wood – Makonde – Tanzania

Striking Makonde animal helmet mask, dog or hyena, Tanzania.  The mask depicts a dog, an important animal in Makonde culture. Dogs are considered protectors and guides. They are also associated with death and the afterlife.

Dark patina from traditional tribal use, wear inside from being used. Finely carved features, with large ears, open eyes and long pointed mouth with lots of teeth.
The Makonde belong to the Bantu people who originally lived south of Lake Nyassa and later migrated to their present location on the Mueda plateau in northern Mozambique. They survive economically from farming and, occasionally, cattle rearing.
Makonde carvers are prolific producers of masks, statues and decorative objects. The most famous Makonde masks are the helmet masks which are used to mark a boy`s initiation into adulthood.

Good condition with a beautiful patina of age. Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.