July 2, 2019
The Green Lion
Traditional mask and make-up in Madagascar
Madagascar is home for people originated from Asia, Australia, and Arabic regions. Malagasy culture, language and way of life have been influenced by various groups who entered and settled in the country over the past many centuries.
In Madagascar, many Malagasy women walk the streets with paint on their faces. Foreigners always wonder why. Well, here’s why. It is a custom associated with the women of the Sakalava tribe. This paint is made of special types of wood, specifically, the bark of the tree which is ground into a powder and then mixed to a paste. Most women apply this paste on their faces as a decoration or we can even call it make-up. They paint beautiful patterns or flower designs in white and yellow paint which gives a stunning contrast on their dark skin.
They believe that this makes them more beautiful. The designs they paint vary from region to region. They paint their faces on a special event like a carnival, or a welcoming ceremony. Some just do it on a regular day and would be seen at the beach or walking the streets. It is like a final touch, in addition to the clothes, matching bags or shoes they chose to wear,Β this adds to their beauty. ItΒ is like the cream which makes a cake so beautiful to look at.
This paste is not only decorative but also is applied to protect the skin from the damage of the sun. It is also believed that this makes the skin more beautiful and glowing, much like a face masque or a cream. The mask is known as Masonjoany. As the name itself suggests, no wonder why most women in Mahajanga,Β where it is so hot, stroll or go shopping with a mask on their faces during the day. But on the other hand, they do this because they want to look pretty for their husbands in the evening when this mask will be removed.
The Vezo women of the southern coastal areas of Madagascar also paint their faces. The Vezo tribe is considered as a subset of the Sakalava group. The custom, that is the traditional mask and make-up, is also a common occurrence in the nearby Comoros islands and some people say that it has actually originated there.
Nevertheless, one reason is obvious, that they paint their faces to make them more attractive. So, when you are on holiday in Madagascar, look out for the Malagasy women with beautifully painted faces and bright traditional clothes. I’m sure they will bring a smile to your face! Maybe why not try this on your face too π
The Green Lion
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