A Makonde initiation helmet mask (Lipico mask), Tanzania, c. early 20th Century. Made of carved wood and decorated with carved tribal scarification. The head is decorated with real human hair. The mask retains yellow paint in the eyes around the pupil and shows signs wear. These masks were used for a couple of occasions. They were used to scare women and children, and they were also used during the initiation of boys to men. The wearer would reveal to himself to the young boy to as a ceremonial right of passage, symbolizing the revelation of the tribes secrets to the newly initiated man. H: 10 in (25.4cm), W: 7 in (17.8cm). Ex Philadelphia estate, purchased in the 1950's-1960's.

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