Helm mask - Makondé - Tanzania

Helmet Mask in terracotta with a patina in red tones The eyes, nose and mouth are shaped with great simplicity, conferring to this mask a quite primitive aspect, it recalls ceramics created by artists of the early 20th century, like Picasso. These Mapiko “Helmet” Masks, associated to the Likumpi ritual, represent different figures, like a drunkard, an old man, a handsome boy. . . Although they are part of initiatory rites, they are also danced in public, on festive days, to entertain the village. Beautiful stand in plexiglass and black lacquered wood. Provenance: Former Ernesto Schmidt, Basel. Any extra expenses due to the buyer’s country customs office will be charged to the buyer.