Photographs © Hamill Gallery
SUKU, HEMBA HELMET MASK 33, 16"-22" high, $700
Despite its apperance, this mask shows no evidence of having been danced and might have been made to be sold.
Worn during male initiation ceremonies, masks like this represented all departed ancestors. Mourning songs were sung during the ritual; the vertical lines on the face are tears. Neighbors of the Yaka, Suku masks are more conservative in their facial treatments. Although styles vary, there is usually a massive collar of raffia and often a figure or animal on the top of the mask.
The measurements are first for the mask, then the mask including the raffia. How the mask is displayed or mounted affects the second measurement.
16"-22" high
9"-14" wide
11.5"-14.5" deep
There is a visible repair job on the animal's broken neck.(see last detail) . The nails could probably be removed.
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