Mozambique, Makonde Helmet Mask

Mozambique
Makonde Helmet Mask
1st half of the XXth century
24 x 18 Cm / 0,600 Kg
Wood
Optional Base (contact us)

The forms and proportions of this african Makonde helmet mask representing an ancestral spirit reveal an ambition for realism. The ancestors would come back masked to show their satisfaction after initiation. Some masks have wax tatoos or scars etched in the wood. The remarquable sculpting of the face traits renders a particularly naturalistic work. The rough wood has a dark brown patina with warm highlights.

The north Mozambique and south Tanzania Makonde wore helmet masks called Lipiko during young people's initiation ceremonies. The Makonde worship a female ancestor which explains the amount of naturalistic female statues. In addition to the facial masks, worn during the Mapiko danses and the Ngoma ceremonies that instruct youth on subjects like marriage and family life requirements, the Makonde also make body masks that depict female busts. (Art and Life in Africa, C.D. Roy)