41 - SET OF TWO LIPIKO INITIATION HELMET-MASKS - Mozambique - Makonde

SET OF TWO LIPIKO INITIATION HELMET-MASKS - Mozambique - Makonde First half of the 20th century. Wood, dark patina, resin, hair. Dimensions: 26 cm and 22 cm. Two stylized human faces rendered in a naturalistic and three-dimensional style. The foreheads are broad; the eyes are almond-shaped, half-closed, and accentuated by broad, raised eyelids. The nose is short, and the slightly parted mouth is characterized by thick, prominent lips that protrude forward, forming a slight smile. Traces of hair remain on the top of the skull, held in place by a resin made from beeswax. These masks were worn during ritual dances celebrating the return of young boys who had undergone initiation to the village after their period of isolation (Nguvumo). The presence of real hair enhanced the realism of these spirits during the dancers’ theatrical performances. Research and documentation: Coryse Mwape – Art historian specializing in ancient African art. Internal ref.: 271 + 312