Helmet mask "hemba"

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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.

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Comparing literature

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

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