Facial Mask

Mask acquired in Zambia in the 1960s or 1970s by a Spanish diplomat stationed in Tanzania. It is difficult to know whether this mask was carved after the proclamation of the Republic of Zambia or when it was still under English colonization as Northern Rhodesia. Today its population is mostly Christian, a 20% of Catholics and the rest belonging to numerous Protestant religions and sects, although the majority of the population engages in syncretist practices, i.e. they mix their new religion with their traditional beliefs such as the cult of ancestors.

There are notable differences with Tshokwe The shape of the head with the chin finished in pic is very different, as is the scarifications. The famous cross of the Tshokwé of Angola has been reduced to a simple "V" inverted, with small signs inside it, and a steep scarification open angles near each temple. From the lower part of the eyes starts a double line with small square scarifications inside that are topped by the corresponding circles with the same type of scarring inside. A large double line surrounds the france with the same type of scarifications inside it. And above it are raised triangles with several lines that draw the same scarrications inside. In reality, the Tshokwéde masks of Angola and Zambia, or in Rhodesia, have no analogy at all, undoubtedly because of the great distncia that separates Uganda from Zambia, although the same ethnic group, in fact, are two totally different cultures. This is not the case in many African ethnic groups that have been dispersed in different cultures and languages, a separation that has been brought about by colonialism, a fact that has occurred in many peoples of Africa, which have been divided by artificial borders, totally political, often drawn by squadron and cartabon. Just look at the map of Africa.

We assume they have been used for the cult of ancestors. Patina for use.