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Chewa Mask Chewa people, Malawi 11 inches, painted wood The Chewa, part of the Maravi peoples, use their masks for Nyau Society performances at initiations, funerals, and other important events. The Nyau characters consists of over 100 different masks, and is constantly changing, since it often incorporates modern themes into its long tradition. The characters often involve reverse role-playing and the masks can be humorous in nature. Because the society is secret, it was banned by the British. This, combined with the Chewa preference for colors and designs that don’t appeal to Westerners, explains why you so seldom see them for sale. This mask is typical
with its use of brightly colored enamel. It is old and well used.
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