Mask "lipiko" ·  Mozambique, Makonde · ID: 3032700

Description

light brown wood, brown patina, remains of black paint, realistic facial features, moustache, eye brows and coiffure made from real hair, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
“lipiko” masks appeared at initiation celebrations. They were worn by the young initiates “vaali” at the “mapiko” masquerade. They depict women rather than men and were kept in special sacred mask houses outside the village. Women were not allowed to see them.