Description:
These Chokwe Makishi dolls are symbolic guardians from the rich tapestry of Chokwe initiation ceremonies. The Chokwe people inhabit regions across Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
Adorned with geometric patterns and embodying ancestral spirits, these figures represent a profound connection to cultural rites of passage.
The Makishi are associated with the mukanda, an initiation ceremony for boys, which includes a period of seclusion and education in various skills, social responsibilities, and spiritual beliefs necessary for adulthood. The appearance of these figures and their participation in the mukanda is a culturally significant event, as the Makishi are viewed as the reincarnations of the ancestors, guiding and protecting the initiates.
Their presence in a collection brings not just aesthetic value but also a deep, educational glimpse into the transformative rituals of the Chokwe people.
Dimensions:
28,5 & 24,5 cm high / 13 & 11 cm large