Shitengamato

In Shitengamato, Carina Ubisse Capitine and Filipa Pontes present a work that focuses on the feminine initiation rites of the Maconde culture from northern Mozambique, viewed through a queering perspective. Our contribution begins with a Maconde mask from the museum’s collection. Our viewpoint is informed by our personal journeys, research and conversations with Maconde women artists and queer individuals from Maputo.

Rather than adopting a descriptive or informative approach, we have chosen to embrace an artistic one. This approach allows us to avoid oversimplifying the complex and ongoing process of societal and cultural transformation regarding gender identification in Mozambique, a subject on which we lack expertise.

The work focuses on the fluidity, transformation, and regeneration of cultural traditions within the contemporary world, as well as the many voices gathered to resist the naturalization of heteronormativity.

Furthermore, our aim is to create a piece that is open to multiple interpretations and space for visitors to engage with the topic and the video content in a personal, subjective, and open manner.