A Malagasy Woman Wearing Masonjoany, Betania Villlage, Madagascar
Masonjoany is a cosmetic paste and sunscreen made of ground wood. It is worn as a protective and decorative mask by women and girls in Madagascar. The paste has yellow and white forms, with yellow masonjoany being derived from the wood of the tabàky or Madagascar sandalwood (Coptosperma madagascarensis), and white masonjoany deriving from the wood of the aviavy or fihamy tree (Ficus grevei). Masonjoany is both protective and decorative - women wear it as sunscreen and insect repellent. Other benefits associated with masonjoany in Madagascar include anti-aging, eliminating skin impurities, and cleansing the skin.
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