Makonde "Njorowe" Pregnant Belly Mask — Tanzania/Mozambique, Vintage African Tribal Art
Genuine carved wood Makonde belly mask (also known as Njorowe, Ndimu, or lipiko) from Tanzania/Mozambique, East Africa. Worn horizontally on the forehead during Makonde boys' initiation ceremonies marking their return from bush camp seclusion, the mask represents amwali ndembo — a pregnant young woman — tied to the Makonde origin story of a female ancestor carved from wood who became mother to the people.
Sculpted with full breasts, a swollen belly with a distended navel, and incised body markings, adorned with cowrie shell trim and strands of blue and white trade beads. Rich, aged patina throughout consistent with genuine ceremonial use, including a stable age crack to the forehead area (see photos).
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