Anthropomorphic helmet mask "hemba" - D. R. Congo, Suku
Similar Sale History
View More Items in MasksRelated Masks
More Items in Masks
View MoreRecommended Art
View MoreItem Details
Description
wood, pigments, rest., base
This helmet mask is used by some Yaka enclaves and their Suku neighbours in the east and south. It is integrated into the initiation rites of the "n-khanda" (Yaka) or "mukanda" society (Suku). It is called "mbala" by the Yaka and "hemba" by the Suku.
The mask is crowned by the Duiker antelope "tsetse", who appears in Yaka and Suku folktales as a cunning trickster and is considered the patron of young initiates.
"Hemba" is first danced in the initiation camp after being treated by a magic priest with a concoction of powerful ingredients and the blood of a cock that had been sprinkled over it. This activated the masks magical power and no one could casually touch it without harm.
Afterwards, she performs in pairs at the closing ceremonies in the village. 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.
H: 43 cm, H: 16,9 inch
Provenance:
Lore Kegel (1901-1980), Hamburg, Germany
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany
Mamadou Keita, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1983)
Jean-Pierre Jernander, Brussels, Belgium
AHDRC: 0016397
Lit.: Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 50, ill. 2
Continent: Africa
This helmet mask is used by some Yaka enclaves and their Suku neighbours in the east and south. It is integrated into the initiation rites of the "n-khanda" (Yaka) or "mukanda" society (Suku). It is called "mbala" by the Yaka and "hemba" by the Suku.
The mask is crowned by the Duiker antelope "tsetse", who appears in Yaka and Suku folktales as a cunning trickster and is considered the patron of young initiates.
"Hemba" is first danced in the initiation camp after being treated by a magic priest with a concoction of powerful ingredients and the blood of a cock that had been sprinkled over it. This activated the masks magical power and no one could casually touch it without harm.
Afterwards, she performs in pairs at the closing ceremonies in the village. 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.
H: 43 cm, H: 16,9 inch
Provenance:
Lore Kegel (1901-1980), Hamburg, Germany
Boris Kegel-Konietzko, Hamburg, Germany
Mamadou Keita, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1983)
Jean-Pierre Jernander, Brussels, Belgium
AHDRC: 0016397
Lit.: Herreman, Frank & Constantijn Petridis (ed.), Face of the Spirits, Tervuren 1993, p. 50, ill. 2
Continent: Africa
Condition
See description
Buyer's Premium
- 30%
Anthropomorphic helmet mask "hemba" - D. R. Congo, Suku
Estimate €4,500 - €8,000
4 bidders are watching this item.
Get approved to bid.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Wurzburg, Bavaria, deOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
Payment
Auction Curated By
Expert for African and Oceanic Art
Expert for Pre-Columbian and Classical Antiquities
Related Searches
TOP