Helmet mask "lipiko"
Description
light wood, polychrome paint, naturalistic facial features, coiffure of real hair with lobes, min. dam., slight traces of insect caused damage (inside), traces of abrasion
Helmet masks “lipiko” (pl. “mapiko”) represent ancestral spirits who temporarily return to earth to appear in dances that celebrate the conclusion of the initiation rituals of adolescent boys and girls.
Therefore, in earlier times, everything possible was done to prevent cracks and rips in the masks which would reveal their earthly origin, and the identity of the dancer had to remain hidden at all costs.
The “lipiko” masks were worn by circumcised boys when the initiates left the initiation camp and returned to the village as adult, now full members of the community. The mask was complemented by a costume of long trousers, tight-fitting shirt and net-like tunic.
The masks are noteworthy for their realism. They are often caricature-like, aptly portraying members of neighbouring groups, religious leaders or colonial officials.