TITLE: Chewa Nyau Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Africa
COUNTRY: Malawi
ETHNICITY: Chewa
DESCRIPTION: Black Nyau Society mask
CATALOG ID: AFMW003
MAKER: Unknown maker
CEREMONY: Adult Initiation; Funeral; Secret Society; Social Control; Spirit Invocation; Status
AGE: 1970s
MAIN MATERIAL: wood
OTHER MATERIALS: paint; animal hide and fur; hardware; burlap; thread
The Chewa of Malawi and Zambia are primarily an agricultural people with a matrilineal social structure. The Nyau Society consists of both male and female initiates, with different rituals and roles ascribed to each. Masks are worn by male members of the society only. Nyau masks may have several uses. Most commonly, the mask is considered to embody the spirit of a dead ancestor, and therefore the masquerader has immunity for any acts while masked. Some masks embody undesirable social traits and are accompanied by derisive songs; these are used for instruction of the young. Nyau society masks are danced at most major life events, including adult initiation, the elevation of a new chief, and funerals. Masks may be made of wood, leather, feathered nets, or basketry that resembles an animal and fits over the entire body
