Mask, 1960s
Makondeexpand_more
Terracotta, human hair, waxexpand_more
The Mary Ruth Weisel Endowment for Africa, Oceania, and the Americasexpand_more 2016.73
On View in Gallery 254expand_more
“Open your ears!” ("shitengamatu") is the phrase the Makonde use to describe this clay mask. Created by a woman for an all-female dance group, it’s one of the rare types of African masks both made and worn by women. Eyebrows and a beard of human hair make it appear more realistic, and indeed it has large, open ears. The command to open them was aimed at young women who had finished their coming-of-age rituals and were about to re-enter society, which is when the mask was danced. Listen to the elder women, they were told, and use their guidance and advice to navigate the new world of adulthood.
Details
- Title
- Mask
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2016.73
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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