African "death mask"?

Hi folks. Got this mask here that I would like some info on. Seller told me it is an African "death mask". Went so far as telling me that the hair on its head is from a real disseased man. But searching the web I find nothing like it. Maybe some of you know something about it?
Thanks in advance!

Fredrik Lislebø

 

Sorry for the extra set of pictures. Dont know what I did wrong.

 

Hello,
Maybe a lipiko mask of the Makonde peoples. Try an image search for 'Makonde mask lipiko'.
Lipikos are important ritual dance masks. Someone might call them a death mask because the eyes are not carved out. The wearer looks out through the typically carved open mouth.
I could be off though. Its a big world of of things out there!

 

You are spot on, Laura. It is a Makonde helmet mask, sometimes called a death mask. The hair is real human hair, but unlikely to be from a deceased person.
The Makonde live in Tanzania and Mozambique.
Here is an explanation of the initiation dance it is used in:
http://carlos.emory.edu/content/lipiko-mask

 

Thanks, both of you. Much appreciated.
I see they sell for quite more than it was bought for.

 

Hi Laura! Welcome to Antiquers!!

 

That is wonderful, Fredrik.

 

I love a mask,but that one creeps me out!

 

What's the size, and can you show the inside?

 

I will meassure it and take a pic of the inside. Il do it tomorrow. Night time here.