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MUKANDA
MASKS - ANCESTRAL SPIRITS |
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Chokwe and related peoples (Mbunda, Lunda, Lovale,
Lwena) of Angola and western Zambia create and
perform many masked characters. These masked characters represent the spirits of
deceased ancestors who have returned to the world of the
living to guide, assist, protect, and even educate members
of the community. They mostly perform in conjunction
with the mukanda initiation process where they also protect the initiation
camp from intruders and evil supernatural forces. These
masks may also be seen at other important ceremonies,
political rallies and confirmation ceremonies of chiefs.
On
my last trip to this part of Africa, I was extremely
fortunate to come across four stunning specimens. These
were purchased in a small village on the borders of Angola
and were used in their Mukanda ceremonies several years
ago. Below I have included pictures of these masks and
their significance.
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KALELWA |
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| Kalelwa
- This mask has an anthropomorphic face with a large
headdress - usually with a tubular extension with curved
arches. It is made from wood, fibers and tree bark. This
mask is mainly associated with the mukanda camp. It is the
protective spirit of the camp and the young initiates. It
is an aggressive character and will chase women and the
uninitiated away from the camp with its weapons. It is
seen as having physical and supernatural powers. This
stunning example measures 24 x 22 x 16 inches. Beard
measures 18 inches. |
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CHIKUNZA |
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| Chikunza
- This mask has an anthropomorphic face with head
extending into a long horn like shape with rings or ribs
on it. It is made from wood, fibers and tree bark. This
mask is associated with the Mukanda process. it is a
symbol of fertility and success in hunting. It dances in a
manner that exaggerates its phallic symbolism. It is a
less aggressive character but will chase away unwanted
visitors from the mukanda enclosure. This fantastic
example measures 57 x 12 x 12 inches. Beard measures 18
inches. |
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LITOTOLA/MUPALA |
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| Litotola/Mupala-
This mask has an anthropomorphic face with an arched
element on the forehead and a larger extension on the
back. Made of wood, fibers and tree bark. This mask is
seen as the lord and guardian of the mukanda camp. It is
an aggressive mask and is there to protect the camp and
the initiates. This fabulous example measures 35 x 12 x 12
inches. The beard measures 16 inches. |
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UTENU |
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Utenu - This mask has
an anthropomorphic face with a flat keel shaped headdress. Made
of wood, fibers and tree bark. Utenu is an aggressive mask.
It chases people and runs around crashing into things. One
of the more violent masks which dances with uncontrollable
rage. This fabulous piece measures 28 x 18 x 16
inches. Beard measures 16 inches.
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Yiannis,
November 2005.
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