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makishi

makishi

1 9.9
A painted mask, the person wearing it, or a dance with those masks used in African ceremonies
  • noun
  • South African
: makishi
  • While the men and makishi bathe the initiates in a secluded area, the mothers bathe at another spot.
  • makishi masks
  • makishi dancers
  • women's makishi

Examples

  • Women are taught that the makishi's elaborate appearance and characterization belong solely to men.

    Academic text (1998)
  • During makishi performances in the village, the mothers take the important role of dance leaders.

    Academic text (1998)
  • More powerful than other medicines, it teaches the women to respect makishi.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Men keep the makishi's secret, and women allow men to think this is their exclusive knowledge.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Women transformed into makishi also appear during women's initiations among the Chokwe in Angola.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The illusion of secrecy is a fundamental difference between men's and women's makishi in the Kabompo District.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Both cultures distinguish between makishi avamala (masks of men) and makishi avampwevo (masks of women).

    Academic text (1998)
  • During the festival, the dancers wore stunning makishi masks that mesmerized the audience.

  • The makishi performed intricate movements, showcasing the rich culture of Zambia during the ceremony.

  • At the initiation ceremony, the appearance of the makishi signified the start of important rituals.

Synonyms

nyau
vsmakishi
  • South African
9.9

A traditional masked dance and secret society of the Chewa people in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique

is a mask, dancer, or ceremonial performance mainly used in rituals and festivals

Surface Forms

makishi singular
makishi plural

Etymology

The word makishi comes from a local Zambian language where ma- is a word part that means 'more than one' and kishi means a 'masked spirit' or 'masked dancer'. So makishi are the many masks, masked dancers, or ceremonial performances you see at festivals.