Makonde Mask 1
Artist: Unknown Makonde artist
Name: lipiko helmet mask
Origin: Makonde people of NE Mozambique and Southern Tanzania
Made of: Wood (ntene), human hair and beeswax
Dimensions: H: 10” (25.4 cm); W: 8” (20.3 cm); D: 11.5” (29.2 cm)
From: Gift of Oliver and Pamela Cobb, 2007
Accession no. 2007-02-002
On display in the PLU’s Mortvedt Library (2nd floor)
Description: This dark brown wooden mask represents a male character and is used in Makonde mapiko ceremony. It has a angular, pointed face with a small nose, squinting eyes, pronounced eyebrows, small parted lips and 10 evenly spaced teeth (mostly hidden inside the mouth). Carved into the mask is a small curved mustache and black beard beneath and a black beard, which once has been decorated with human hair, accompanies it. What appears to be a black headwrap covers the mask’s head which contain six overlapping layers that meet in the center of the skull. In places, the wood is worn and there are a few chips on the face.