Helmet mask "hemba" · D. R. Congo, Suku · ID: 3045330
Description
wood, polychrome painted, grass fibre, rep., base
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.
The object Helmet mask “hemba” with the object ID 3045330 was last part of the auction 91 Tribal Art Auction at March 9, 2019 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 358.
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Comparing literature
Bourgeois, Arthur P., Art of the Yaka and Suku, Paris 1984, p. 162