Hemba (Bahemba), Democratic Republic of the Congo

Chimpanzee mask.  In southeast DRC, the 80,000 Hemba people inhabit vast plains surrounded by high hills and bordered by streams, rocks, and marshes. The Hemba are primarily subsistence agriculturalists growing manioc, maize, peanuts, sesame, yams and beans. These crops are supplemented by hunting and fishing done by the men. The Hemba practice ancestor worship to justify the present authority and power of the chief of the clan. This mask is called “the spirit of the chimpanzee-human” that inhabits such masks. The masqueraders wear a costume of animal skins and bark cloth, supplemented by the black and white hair of monkeys. To the Hemba they are frightening apparitions whose grin means rage and impending disaster.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 12”, W. 7½”, D. 2”

Price: $150 + $21 (S&H)                                [#M4H6M637]