A Nyau spirit-class, classed here as deity (the maternal cosmic principle of the secret society) per the instruction to map spirit-classes to deity/demigod. Both a divine being and its embodying cult-object; the mask itself is recorded in materialCulture.
Domains
death funerary rite
motherhood fertility
Powers
appear as the great mask at funeral and initiation
Sources
Smith, B. W. (2001). 'Forbidden Images: Rock Paintings and the Nyau Secret Society of Central Malaŵi and Eastern Zambia.' African Archaeological Review 18(4).
Schoffeleers, J. M. & Linden, I. (1972). 'The Resistance of the Nyau Societies to the Roman Catholic Missions in Colonial Malawi.' In The Historical Study of African Religion. London: Heinemann.