TANZANIAN MAKONDE LIPIKO BODY WOODEN HELMET MASK,early-to-mid 20th century. Patinated hand-carved and incised wooden Lipiko mask, which in Makonde language means "helmet mask." Helmet masks of the female figure are an important protective symbol in Makonde society. Such masks are used for masquerade dances by the adult spiritual leaders as they celebrate initiation rites that mark the entrance of young boys and girls into adulthood after they were taught the skills of adulthood, traditional songs, dances, costumes, and cultural secrets ("Bortolot"). Additionally, they were used to honor the recently deceased. - height: 30 inches. Estimate $400-600
