FILTER RESULTS
Mask (lipiko) of Makonde Man with Incised Tattoos
ca. 1950-19609 3/4 x 7 1/2 x 11 in. (24.8 x 19.1 x 27.9 cm)
Mozambican artist
Mozambique
Makonde; made in Mozambique
Object Type:
Woodwork
Medium and Support:
Wood, human hair, pigment
Credit Line:
Transfer from Education Department
Accession Number:
2006.71
Location: Currently on view
Makonde people are producing more masks and types of masquerades now than ever before. This living, thriving tradition favors innovation, so styles of mask and dance change continually. Masked dancers perform before enthusiastic audiences for holidays or important occasions in the village.
This mask, from the 1950s or 60s is in the classic style favored by Makonde people today. The style and design of facial tattoos are unique to the Makonde and would have identified this face as belonging to a specific region or tribe. Most Makonde tattooing ended in the 1960s, so only the older generation wears the distinctive marks today. The specificity of the shaved hairline and the scar on the scalp near the left temple indicate that perhaps this mask was a portrait.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
This mask, from the 1950s or 60s is in the classic style favored by Makonde people today. The style and design of facial tattoos are unique to the Makonde and would have identified this face as belonging to a specific region or tribe. Most Makonde tattooing ended in the 1960s, so only the older generation wears the distinctive marks today. The specificity of the shaved hairline and the scar on the scalp near the left temple indicate that perhaps this mask was a portrait.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Additional Images
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Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Makonde Revolutions 9/18/2007 - 12/10/2007
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Memorial Art Gallery. ARTiculate. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery, 2000--.
- Article Scope: Mention and reproduction. Alexander Ives Bortolot. Revolutions: A Century of Makonde Masquerade in Mozambique. New York, NY: Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, Columbia, University, 2007.
Portfolio List
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This object is a member of the following portfolios: