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Catalog Data

Author:
Faulkner, Laurel Birch  Search this
Smithsonian Libraries African Art Index Project DSI  Search this
Subject:
Nyau (Cult)  Search this
Type:
Articles
Date:
1988
Notes:
The secret society known as Nyau among the Chewa has a tradition, apparently quite ancient, of large basketry masks. Images of these body-covering basketry masks appear in rock paintings. Two types, Kasuyamaliro and Chimkako, both represent a mythical antelope-type creature. They perform during boys' initiation rites, and then are left to disintegrate in "graveyards." Faulkner describes in detail the forms, materials and construction of these masks. Based on fieldwork from 1984 to 1986.
Topic:
Chewa masquerades  Search this
Masks, Chewa  Search this
Chewa basketwork masquerades  Search this
Antelopes in African art  Search this
Call number:
N1 .A258
Data Source:
Smithsonian Libraries
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_sil_524246