Makonde terracotta masks like this would have been carried in front of the face or held above the head during dance ceremonies for the womens mapiko dance. Before their incorporation in dance ceremonies, Makonde masks such as these were originally displayed on the ground like a form of fetish mask.
This terracotta mask has been coloured with natural pigments, and features a large lip adornment. Finely engraved Makonde facial markings decorate the surface of this mask.
Ex Private Collection, Germany
Estimated Period: 1950’s
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