Helmet mask "lipiko" ·  Mozambique, Makonde · ID: 3033366

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, a nearly naturalistic modeled face, the eye zone and the nose in particular, typical diamond-shaped lips, coiffure of real hair with thin plaited lobes inbetween (one missing), slightly dam., paint rubbed off, traces of old age, on metal base;
“lipiko” masks appeared at initiation celebrations. They were worn by the young initiates “vaali” at the “mapiko” masquerade. They depict woman rather than men and were kept in special sacred houses outside the village. Women were not allowed to see them.