Makonde Helmet Mask

Makonde tribe in modern day Mozambique & Tanzania

Circa 1920

The Makonde are the most accomplished carvers in Eastern Africa, producing helmet masks in a highly naturalistic manner. Although this carved wood mask with the face in coloured ochre, blue pigment for the beret and the use of human hair is likely to be a unique model of a French Matelot, it is still sculpted in the traditional style.

h 23.5cm (9 in)

Provenance: David McAlpine, Fawby House, Oxford