Helmet mask "emboli" or "mbuto"

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Description

wood, pigments, crack (lined/ clamped), base

Emboli (“forest spirit”) helmet masks of the Kota in Gabon were danced on the occasion of the initiation of young boys.

The emergence of an “emboli” dancer from the forest was meant to instill respect for social order through intimidation of the non-initiated.

For this purpose, the masks received traits of frightening large animals, such as the gorilla, which is implied by the imposing sagittal crest of the present mask. For other masks, painted patches should make initiates think of a panther.

This rare type of helmet mask symbolizes both the power of nature and the mystery of the invisible spirits.

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Comparing literature

LaGamma, Alisa (ed.), Eternal Ancestors, New York 2007, p. 299

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