Dear Noel, Thank you for choosing Mearto with your online appraisal. Based on the images and available information, this item is: A Makonde Helmet Mask, from late 20th century. The Makonde are an ethnic group in southeast Tanzania, northern Mozambique, and Kenya. The Makonde developed their culture on the Mueda Plateau in Mozambique. At present they live throughout Tanzania and Mozambique, and have a small presence in Kenya. These lipiko masks, which in the language of the Makonde people means “helmet mask.” Generally, ancient masks in the Kingdom were symbol of power to the owner. The power were coming from spiritual world and the ancestors. These Masks are normally made either for ritual object, or as in this case, as decorative or ornamental object. Good condition. Retail prices may vary.
