Masks (Lipiko)

20th century

While vividly realistic, the actual character each Makonde mask portrays cannot be known without documentation of its performance. This mask is likely to have been worn by a senior man, whose interpretation would involve fast whirling motions, rising dust and loud drums that would stop abruptly to interject a sudden stillness. With the masked face only nodding slightly, the face with a frozen expression, since it does not relax from an unsmiling presence.

Wood, human hair

10 x 11 x 8 in. (25.4 x 27.9 x 20.3 cm)

Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum

2004.106

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

Published ReferencesMcClusky, Pamela. Repeat, Repeat, A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 133, illus. 110.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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