Helmet Mask
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Suku culture
Early 1900s
Wood, pigment, and raffia fiber
"A Suku artist created this hemba helmet mask to be used during the makunda, or initiation ceremonies for adolescent boys into adulthood. I find these masks striking because of the rendering of the facial features, with slit eyes and exaggerated cheeks and forehead. The somber expression, common among hemba masks, also reminds me that these objects are visual representations of elders who have passed away." -- Rachel Kabukula, Curatorial Assistant of African Art.
Maverick Mist 
Fascinating mask and such wonderful description of its origin.
Miriam
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They really are interesting. 🙂
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Buon mercoledì 🙂
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Buon mercoledì cara 🙂
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Stunning! Love masks of all sorts. I find them mysterious and wonder to myself the type of characters they are depicting. Thank you sharing.
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Thank you for your nice comment. 🙂
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I love how peaceful and solemn it looks, but in a very cute way, somehow! Haha. It looks as if it’s exhaling – the cheeks and the mouth are unbelievably expressive.
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I agree, there is something very cute about it. 🙂
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It is very striking. Any idea what the “collar” is made from?
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Raffia fiber which is made from palm leaves.
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