Photographs © Tim Hamill
SUKU, HEMBA HELMET MASK 25, 14.5", $400
Worn during male initiation ceremonies, these mask 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. All come with black metal stands. Only #25 is not a helmet mask.
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