Vintage Carved Wooden Makonde Tribal Pregnant Belly Fertility Mask - Tanzania

Description

Liquidating my Vintage African Masks Collection that I created during my travels as a Refugee Officer interviewing refugees in East African -- Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda and so forth.
Nice Aged, Vintage and Unique Makonde Pregnant Belly Fertility Mask.
The Makonde, a nomadic and matrilineal tribe, are known for the prowess in wood carving.  Because they trace their lineage through the female side, women have a central place in Makonde sculpture.  Female figurines are common and portrayed in ways that represent birth and survival of the Makonde.  Their breasts and stomachs are engraved with lizards as they are thought to increase fertility in women.  The face is adorned with Makonde scarification on foreheads, cheeks and mouths. Wood carving in East Africa is highly dependent of indigenous hardwood trees that take 100+ years to mature.  The wood traditionally used by the Makonde carvers comes from the ‘African Blackwood’ Tree.  Due to degradation of the woodlands, the harvesting of these hardwood trees is now banned in many East African countries.  Great condition -- Ready to hang wall art -- Definitely makes a great conversation piece!
Features
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Dimensions
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20th-Century creation
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9½ nches Long
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For use as wall décor or rituals
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5½ Inches Wide
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Features a rustic, bold finish
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3½ Inches Deep
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Hand-crafted item
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13 oz.
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Made in T
anzania