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What did a Pende youth’s initiation mask symbolize?
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Mask
Women wearing a mask during Carnival celebrations in Venice, Italy.
For a Pende youth, the colourful initiation mask worn upon emerging from the initiation area serves as an indicator of his new role as an adult of the tribe.1
Following the conclusion of the initiation rites, this mask is cast aside and replaced by a small ivory duplicate. This smaller version is worn as a charm against misfortune and serves as a symbol of manhood.1