Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Suku, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hauntingly beautiful wooden helmet mask, known as a Hemba, with a raffia skirt around the lower edge. The visage is comprised of pursed, but slightly parted lips, a slender projecting nose, slit-form eyes, and forward set ears. The coiffure is arranged into three ridges. A yellow glass beaded earring is attached to one ear. The wood is painted with chalky white and black pigment. The helmet shape allows the mask to fit entirely over the wearer's head. Piercings around the rim attach the thick hem of raffia fibers. The Hemba mask is used for initiation rites of boys transitioning into men. The masks protect the wearer against evil forces and promotes healing or good fortune. Size: 19" L x 11" W (48.3 cm x 27.9 cm); 25" H (63.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Palm Beach, Florida, USA collection
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#166418
Condition
Nice condition. Chips to the top of the coiffure ridge. Stable pressure fissures. Chips to eye lids and ears. Missing one earring. One loop securing the raffia is missing, but raffia is secured and well preserved without any shedding.