Makonde
Mozambique and southern Tanzania
Carved wood with applied hair
Early 20th century
10 in high (25.4 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, New York
This Makonde lipiko is a helmet mask carved as a full head, hollowed to be worn over the wearer's own. The face is smoothly modeled with narrow closed eye slits, a short nose, and parted lips.
Lipiko masks are worn by Makonde men in masquerade at the close of initiation, the dancer's whole head enclosed so that the carved face stands in for his own. The naturalism of the features, the applied hair, and most unusual color make it a East African masterpiece.
Makonde
Mozambique and southern Tanzania
Carved wood with applied hair
Early 20th century
10 in high (25.4 cm)
Provenance: Private collection, New York
This Makonde lipiko is a helmet mask carved as a full head, hollowed to be worn over the wearer's own. The face is smoothly modeled with narrow closed eye slits, a short nose, and parted lips.
Lipiko masks are worn by Makonde men in masquerade at the close of initiation, the dancer's whole head enclosed so that the carved face stands in for his own. The naturalism of the features, the applied hair, and most unusual color make it a East African masterpiece.
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