Makonde Mapiko Mask

A Rare Pre-Contact Example

By: The Master of the Abstract Coiffeur

An extraordinary Makonde Mapiko - Lipiko mask by; The Master of the Abstract Coiffeur - Circa 1900

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This mask likely dates to a pre-contact period. First European contact with the Makonde occurred around 1910. Even then, visits were sporadic. As a result, few early collected masks examples like this are known.

The masterwork was rediscovered in Australia, where because of its age, it would have traveled to as a curiosity in the days of steam ships.

The Master of the Abstract Coiffeur - was given his name for obvious stylistic reasons.

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Makonde helmet masks have strong African features. They can attain great expressiveness, as shown here. Some are simple in form, with static concave planes. Others like this, display an organically sensed rounded style. The naturalism is exaggerated with full lips and receding cranium.

The Ivy's Albums -  Circa 1940

Design elements frequently include scarification marks, eyebrows, lashes and coiffures made of human hair.

One of the most important events in the life of a Makonde was initiation. During intensive months of ritual, girls and boys were provided with essential knowledge. The most important carving used during initiation ceremonies was the Mapiko or Lipiko mask. It was worn over the top of the head and tilted back, so that the wearer could look out through the mouth. Mapiko masks often represented ancestors, who come back masked in order to express their joy at the successful achievement of initiation. Their presence is meant to confirm the tight bonds that exist between the living and the dead.

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The Makonde mask depicted in the images above were published in the Miller's English and German guides entitled TRIBAL ART  THE ESSENTIAL WORLD GUIDE and was previously the property of Galerie Ezakwantu. It is our opinion that our current example is of equal quality, if not superior to the Miller's example. In our view - both masks were executed by the same master carver.

A third known mask by this carver appears  in AFRICAN FACES - An Homage to the African Mask"

Our mask has slight damage to one eye and an old native repair to the its left side.