SKU: M1-5

The Makonde belong to the Bantu people who originally lived south of Lake Nyassa and later migrated to their present location on the Mueda plateau in northern Mozambique. A great many also migrated across the Ruvuma River during colonial times to work on sisal farms in Tanzania, where they remain. Makonde carvers are prolific producers of masks, statues, and decorative objects. Lipiko is the name that Mozambican Makonde men give to the mask wearer of their masquerading association, who is brought from the bush into the village for initiation celebrations. The "head of the Limpiko" or mask, is carved out of light wood and fits over the masquerader's head like a helmet. It is always worn with a cloth tied around its bottom rim that falls loosely over the masquerader's shoulders, forming part of an elaborate costume designed to conceal his identity. Ref.: Prestel, Phillips Ref.: Stepan

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