Makonde (Wamakonde), Mozambique and Tanzania

Initiation lipico helmet mask. Inhabiting the southeast of Tanzania and the northeast of Mozambique are about 500,000 Makonde, divided into matrilineal clans, each one comprising several villages. They survive economically from farming and occasionally, cattle rearing. Makonde carvers are prolific producers of masks, statues and decorative objects. The Makonde have two main types of masks: helmet crests, known as lipiko, and face masks. The anthropomorphic face masks portray particular individuals or occasionally represent sickness. Design elements frequently include scarification marks, and eyebrows, lashes and coiffure made of real hair affixed with wax.

Makonde
#K9M8M432
11" x 9.5" x 5
$210 + 35 (S&H)

                                                                    Material:  wood, human hair

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