Suku, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Hemba (hembe) helmet mask. The 80,000 Suku inhabit the Southwest of the DRC. Their main economic resources are farming and hunt. Sometimes they hunt individually with bow and arrow, sometimes collectively with dogs and traps. The helmet masks known by the name of hemba or hembe, are disseminated throughout the Suku area and usually are used in initiation camps to celebrate the passage of boys into adulthood. These are cut from a cylinder of wood, the hairdo often surmounted by a person or animal. These masks are supposedly an image of the community of deceased elders, notably the chiefs of the maternal lineage. A special hut is built in the forest to give shelter to the postulants during their retreat or seclusion. The event culminates in circumcision, an occasion for great masked festivities. These masks are also used to promote success in the hunt, to heal, and to punish criminals.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 18”,  W. 9”,  D. 11”

Price:  $225+$37 (S&H)                                            [#K4S9M661]