Description:

In Makonde ceremonial rituals, male dancers assuming female roles wear both a helmet mask and a female body mask. These body masks, tied to the dancers' torsos and mimicked female movements, created a convincing illusion of a woman during pregnancy and childbirth. Such rituals often served as a form of initiation, teaching young girls and boys about the expectations of married life by illustrating the challenges of pregnancy and the pain of childbirth.

The Makonde are a matrilineal society, tracing descent through the female line, which is why women hold a central place in Makonde sculptures. Many of these body masks feature intricate incised designs, as the Makonde believed that tattoos (or skin incisions) near the navel offered protection against evil spirits. However, the traditional practice of facial and breast incisions among the Makonde is gradually declining.