Helmet mask "hemba"

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Description

wood, matt patina, polychrome paint, crowned by a quadruped, plant fibre cuff missing, rep. (breakage left horn of the quadruped), missing parts, traces of insect caused damage, paint rubbed off, fine cracks.
The “hemba” mask was first danced within the initiation camp. 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. 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.

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Comparing literature

Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 50, ill. 2

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