Helmet mask "lipiko"
Mozambique, Makonde
not available anymore
Provenance
Missionsmuseum Münsterschwarzach, GermanyBernhard Jäger, Frankfurt a. M., Germany
Size
H: 21,5 cm
H: 8.5 inch
Description
light wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, naturalistic facial features, coiffure and eye brows from real hair, min. dam., small missing parts (rim), traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, cracks;
“lipiko” masks appeared at initiation celebrations. They were worn by the young initiates “vaali” at the “mapiko” masquerade. They were kept in special sacred houses outside the village. Women were not allowed to see them.
Comparing literature
Fenzl, Kristian, Makonde, Linz 1997, p. 129, ill. 38Publications
AHDRC: 0142047