Male Face Mask (Zamble)

Representing a capricious and fearsome nature spirit, zamble is the name of a mask type that combines animal and human features, including antelope horns and the jaw of a dog or crocodile. In times past, zamble primarily appeared on the occasion of a man’s second funeral, which would be organized months or years after the actual burial to commemorate the accomplishments of the deceased. Performances took the form of competitions between mask dancersfrom two different families.