Male helmet mask "lipiko" with cap ·  Mozambique, Makonde · ID: 3046446

Description

light wood, paint, pigments, missing parts (trimmed at back edge), rest.

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.

The masks are noteworthy for their realism. They are often caricature-like, aptly portraying members of neighbouring groups, religious leaders or colonial officials.

The object Male helmet mask “lipiko” with cap with the object ID 3046446 was part of the auction 94th Tribal Art Auction on March 7, 2020. The object with the lot number 105 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,300 with an asking price of EUR 1,000.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.

Publications

AHDRC: 0170798