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Nyau (also: Nyao meaning mask or initiation) is a secret society of the Chewa people. The Nyau society consists of initiated members of the Chewa and Nyanja people, forming the indigenous religion of the people. Initiations are separate for men and for women, with different ritual roles in the society according to gender and seniority. Only initiates are considered to be mature members of the Nyau. The word Nyau is not only used for the society , but also for  indigenous religious beliefs or cosmology of people who form the society, the ritual dance performance, and the masks . During performances  women and children rush into the houses when a performer threatens, as the masks are worn by male members of the society and represent male knowledge. At that moment in the performance  rituals, Nyau masked dancers are understood to be spirits of the dead. As spirits the masquerades may act with impunity, there have been attacks and deaths during performances in the past.

Origin: Zambia - Malawi border 
Nyau Secret Society of the Chewa People
Materials: Wood, textiles, natural pigments, natural fibers, coin
Dimensions: 198x135mm 

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Circa 1970 - Good Condition 

 Rare Nyau secret society mask - CHEWA - Zambia / Malawi border

African & Tribal Art

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Dust jacket

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African & Tribal Art

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Rare Nyau secret society mask - CHEWA - Zambia / Malawi border

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African & Tribal Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Rare Nyau secret society mask - CHEWA - Zambia / Malawi border

Popular in African & Tribal Art

652 objects

Related collections