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Dimitri André

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. 
Presents some chips, cracks, scratches and signs of  tribal wear.
Dimensions:258x153x110mm +headdress
Materials: Wood, Paint, feathers, Vegetable Fibers, Raffia Palm fibers, polymer fibers, etc.
Weight:452g
Registered Shipping. Fully Insured.
Packed in a traditional basket and using recycled materials.


Circa 1970 - Good Condition

Nyau Mask - CHEWA - Southern Malawi 

African & Tribal Art

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Tribal art and objects

Tribal sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Tribal masks

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Dance mask

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Period

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African & Tribal Art

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

Nyau Mask - CHEWA - Southern Malawi

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African & Tribal Art

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

Nyau Mask - CHEWA - Southern Malawi

Popular in African & Tribal Art

923 objects

Related collections