Lipiko mask Maconde

Lipiko mask of the Maconde people that lives in Tanzania and Mozambique. Lipiko is used during the rite of passage of initiation of boys and girls. During the ritual dance, the mask represents the spirits who have returned to earth.

The mask is cut from a whole stump and a wall thickness of about 10 mm. This distunguishes it from the original lipiko, which were not hollow and wore over the head.