Makonde People Tanzania Lipiko Mask
$1,500.00
mid-20th century
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Product Information
Dimensions
Condition
Product Information
Shop this Makonde People Tanzania Lipiko Mask for sale as a unique sculpture for your interior. Makonde art is a term that refers to sculptures from East Africa made by artisans who are members of the Makonde people, who live in northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania, divided by the Ruvuma river. It is a category of African art that has been developed by art historians, dealers, and collectors and may be split into two subgenres: African traditional objects and modern artistic works. The origins of this genre may be traced back to the 1930s, when the Centro Cultural dos Novos in Mozambique hosted the first known exhibition of Makonde art.
When the Makonde have their initiation rituals for boys and girls, they use Lipiko masks to represent the spirits of the past and present. In addition to their accuracy, the masks individually portray details of a specific facial shape and hairdo, which makes them stand out. Members of neighboring tribes, religious leaders, and colonial authorities are frequently shown as caricatures in Lipiko masks. This mask comes to us from a New England collection and dates to the mid 20th century.
When the Makonde have their initiation rituals for boys and girls, they use Lipiko masks to represent the spirits of the past and present. In addition to their accuracy, the masks individually portray details of a specific facial shape and hairdo, which makes them stand out. Members of neighboring tribes, religious leaders, and colonial authorities are frequently shown as caricatures in Lipiko masks. This mask comes to us from a New England collection and dates to the mid 20th century.
Dimensions
The mask measures 12 x 9.5 x 8.5 inches.
Condition
The mask displays condition defects consistent with the age and use of this object. The wood shows signs of holes, wear, loss, scuffs, cracks, and tarnish from oxidation.
