Cleveland Museum of Art

Mask (hemba)

Date

late 1800s–early 1900s

Medium

Wood, reed, paint, and metal

Culture

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Suku-style carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Suku helmet masks are often used in initiation ceremonies for young men in the society. Helmet masks such as this represent images of deceased elders in the society. They are to ensure successful hunting, help cure illnesses, and protect its wearer from evil. The animal shaped like a gazelle or antelope is typically associated with folktales, proverbs, and personal hunting exploits.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.