Luvale. <em>Skirt (Likishi Dance Costume Accessory)</em>, early 20th century. Reed, 26 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (67.9 x 49.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 36.552. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 36.548_36.549_36.550a-b_36.551a-b_36.552_36.553_threequarter_installation_SL1.jpg)

Luvale. Skirt (Likishi Dance Costume Accessory), early 20th century. Reed, 26 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (67.9 x 49.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 36.552. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 36.548_36.549_36.550a-b_36.551a-b_36.552_36.553_threequarter_installation_SL1.jpg)

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Skirt (Likishi Dance Costume Accessory)

Arts of Africa

This complete dance costume shows how masks are normally one part of a larger ensemble. The mask is sewn directly onto the costume of looped bark and fiber, which fits tightly over the body of the dancer. Seedpod rattles and metal bells added a musical aspect to the performance.

Although they are danced by Luvale men, mwana pwevo masks depict women. In order to own and perform with a mask, a man had to symbolically marry it by paying the carver a copper ring as a bride price. In so doing, the dancer made a commitment to honor and care for the spirit represented by the mask. In return, the dancer was able to earn his livelihood performing at local festivals.

CULTURE Luvale

MEDIUM Reed

Place Made: Zambia

DATES early 20th century

DIMENSIONS 26 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (67.9 x 49.8 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Arts of Africa

ACCESSION NUMBER 36.552

CREDIT LINE Museum Collection Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Skirt part of dance costume. (see 36.548) CONDITION: Good

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Luvale. Skirt (Likishi Dance Costume Accessory), early 20th century. Reed, 26 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (67.9 x 49.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 36.552. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 36.548_36.549_36.550a-b_36.551a-b_36.552_36.553_threequarter_installation_SL1.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 36.548_36.549_36.550a-b_36.551a-b_36.552_36.553_threequarter_installation_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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Skirt (Likishi Dance Costume Accessory)

Arts of Africa

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