African Makonde Wood Helmet Lipiko Mask

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  East Africa, southern Tanzania or northeastern Mozambique, Makonde peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A wood helmet mask known as a lipiko, worn by dancers to embody ancestral spirits or symbolic characters during Mapiko performances. This mask features a gap-toothed mouth, with an opening incorporated to allow the wearer to see through. The surface is decorated with red and yellow pigments, and adorned with incised and raised linear patterns representing tattoos or ritual scarification. Along the sides, a cut hairline is enhanced with actual human hair shavings, inserted into small slits to increase realism and spiritual potency. The Mapiko dance is a vital cultural performance associated with male initiation ceremonies, during which dancers don full-body costumes and masks like this one, to dramatize the transition from youth to adulthood. Perforations around the rim were used to attach raffia fibers or textiles, securing the mask to the rest of the performer's costume. Size: 11" W x 12" H (27.9 cm x 30.5 cm); 25" H (63.5 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193687

  Condition

  Old repair with leather cords to a fissure on the lower right neck area. Some losses to hair. Fading and losses to pigment. Nice patina.
• Shipping Info

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