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Young woman with a pronounced lip plate - Mozambique
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Young woman with a pronounced lip plate - Mozambique
A young Maconde (Makonde) woman with a pronounced lip plate - Portuguese East Africa (modern-day Mozambique)
circa 1910s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23397776
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Afro Body Disc Ethic Modification Mozambique Pierced Piercing Plug Portuguese Pronounced Tradition Unusual Indiginous Labret
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In this evocative black-and-white photograph, a young Maconde woman from Portuguese East Africa, now modern-day Mozambique, proudly displays her distinctive lip plate. Dating back to the 1910s, this traditional body modification is a hallmark of the Maconde people, also known as the Makonde. The woman's face is expressive and captivating, with her large, dark eyes gazing directly at the camera. Her short, afro-textured hair is cropped close to her head, framing her angular features. The centerpiece of her appearance, however, is the pronounced lip plate, which extends outwards from her lower lip. This labret, as it is called, is made of a disc or plug, often made from materials such as ivory, wood, or metal. The Maconde people, who inhabit the coastal regions of Mozambique and Tanzania, have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in tradition. Lip plates have long been a symbol of beauty and status within their community. The size and shape of the plate can indicate a woman's marital status or social standing. This practice, which is believed to have originated over a thousand years ago, is just one of many unique customs that set the Maconde people apart. Despite the passage of time and the influence of external cultures, the Maconde people have continued to preserve their traditions, including the use of lip plates. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of indigenous communities and their ability to maintain their cultural identities in the face of change.
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