MAKISHI
neutralMonster
The makishi (singular likishi) are the masked characters of the Chokwe, Luvale, Lunda, Mbunda and Luchazi peoples, settled at the confines of north-western Zambia, north-eastern Angola and south-western Democratic Republic of the Congo. They appear above all at the end of the mukanda, the initiation ritual of the boys, where they dance and mime before the whole village until the return of the initiates. Considered ancestors returned in the form of masked dancers, they serve as mediators between the world of the initiates and that of the non-initiates and protect the young during their seclusion. Each mask embodies a precise type, some benevolent, others deliberately frightening. The Makishi masquerade has been inscribed since 2005 on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. It belongs to ritual performance more than to a single figure of monster.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Voice of its pantheon. MAKISHI carries the memory of its tradition and weaves a thread into the Mabioni. Bound to the Angola pantheon. Its alignment depends on the invoker's protocol.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of man-eater, embodiment of the power of Makishi
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Are the makishi monsters?
Not exactly. They are masked dancers embodying ancestors. Certain characters are benevolent, others deliberately frightening.
When do they appear?
Above all at the end of the mukanda, the initiation and circumcision ritual of the boys, among the peoples of north-western Zambia and the neighbouring regions.
What is their role?
To serve as mediators between initiates and non-initiates and to protect the young during their seclusion, while handing down the knowledge of the community.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- UNESCO, Makishi masquerade, Liste representative du patrimoine culturel immateriel de l'humanite (2005/2008), https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/makishi-masquerade-00140
- Manuel Jordan, Makishi: Mask Characters of Zambia (2006)
- Boris Wastiau, Mahamba: The Transforming Arts of Spirit Possession among the Luvale-speaking People of the Upper Zambezi (Studia Instituti Anthropos) (2000)