Zemanek-Münster

Helmet mask "hemba" ·  D. R. Congo, Suku · ID: 3045330

not available anymore
Provenance
Jean-Paul Agogué, Champigny-sur-Marne, France
Size
H: 43 cm
H: 16.9 inch

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.

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.


Comparing literature

Bourgeois, Arthur P., Art of the Yaka and Suku, Paris 1984, p. 162


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