Helmet mask "emboli" or "mbuto" · Gabon, Kota · ID: 3045483

Name: Helmet mask "emboli" or "mbuto"
SKU: 3045483
Availability: Discontinued

not available anymore

Provenance

French Collection

Size

H: 61,5 cm

H: 24.2 inch

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.

The object Helmet mask “emboli” or “mbuto” with the object ID 3045483 was last part of the auction 91 Tribal Art Auction at March 9, 2019 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 285.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.