Helmet mask "hemba" ·  D. R. Congo, Suku · ID: 3040186

Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, face with delicate “snub” nose and pointed chin, min. dam., missing parts, insect caused damage, fine cracks, traces of abrasion;
the “hemba” mask is first danced within the initiation camp at the occasion when other important charms are shown in the traditional initiation of the Suku. A notable of the village had previously treated the mask with a concoction of powerful ingredients and the blood of a cock had been sprinkled over it. This activated the mask-charm and no one could casually touch it without harm. With careful instruction, the older initiates are taught to dance and then permitted to wear a pair of “hemba” masks into the village at the closing festivities. For this dance, additional charms are placed inside the mask or attached to its shaggy fringe that would “shoot” any witch who might attempt to harm the dancer.

The object Helmet mask “hemba” with the object ID 3040186 was part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction on February 27, 2016. The object with the lot number 511 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,800 with an asking price of EUR 3,500.

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Comparing literature

Bourgeois, Arthur P., Art of the Yaka and Suku, Paris 1984, p. 161