Makonde mask, Mozambique, c. 1970

The most important carving used in initiation ceremonies was the Lipiko or Mapiko mask, which was worn on the top of the head. Masks sometimes represent ancestral spirits, sometimes animals. The ancestors return masked to express their joy at the success of the initiation. Their presence is proof of the close ties that exist between the living and the dead. Makonde masks can attain great expressiveness. Some are simple in form, with concave planes; others display a rounded style. Height: 30 cm Reproduced: Catalogue “Africa Babel: the Art of a Continent”, p.- 197 right
 
Exhibitions:
2022-2024 Island of Fuerteventura “Art Africa: Ancestral Light”. Lighthouse of the Entallada. Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
2021-2022 Panama City. Government of Panama. “Art Africa: the spirit of the ancestors”. Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Casco Viejo.
2019-2020 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent”. Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo.
2013-2015 Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (Madao). La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia.
2005 “Black Africa”, Leather Museum.
2004 “Black Africa”. Caixa Laietana Foundation, Barcelona. Main exhibition hall