Made by women who normally produce clay pots, the mask portrays a colonial Portugese with, paradoxically, typical Makonde scarification. Made of terracotta, it is said that the green colour is a natural tone that is occasionally found on the river banks. The moustache and hair on the back of the head are made of human hair. In contrast to the wooden helmet masks the terracotta masks are only used for the initiation of girls.
Matt patina
Ref.: “Art from East Africa – Kunst aus Ostafrika” – Museum für Völkerkunde zu Leipzig – 2004 – Pages 27-31
