Tanzanian Makonde People Mask: "Lipiko" Mask

The Makonde People of Tanzania are known for their wood carvings. This ritual mask, called "lipiko," represents a Makonde woman from Tanzania. It shows the fierce facial scarification and upper lip plug traditional among Makonde women. This type of mask would be active at the end of initiation ceremonies as the incarnation of ancestral spirits, called "midimu." The mask would be used to remind the initiates of their new positions in the community and the rights and responsibilities they now have.

Ritualistic masks are are carved from light woods. Traditionally only men were carvers and their work was kept strictly secret from the women of the tribe. In present times masks are also carved by women and are used in instructional gatherings and public plays and performances. They are made of a variety of different woods and can be found for public sale.
Source:
https://www.blackwoodconservation.org/makonde-art/
https://issuu.com/jacarandatribal/docs/wright_catalogue_2?fr=sNjgwNjQxMTI4