Helmet Mask (hemba)
- Artist Culture
- Suku artist
- Date
- late 19th century
- Material
- Wood, pigment
- associated with
- Bandundu province, Central Africa, Congo, Africa
- Classification
- Masks, wood
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 117
- Dimensions
- 11 3/8 x 7 7/8 x 11 1/2 in. (28.9 x 20 x 29.2 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Morton D. May
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 409:1955
NOTES
The serene expression of this mask suggests its likely role in representing the collective wisdom and influence of ancestral elders. Danced as part of "n-khanda" initiation for boys, "hemba" masks could appear at opening ceremonies and to mark the approach or conclusion of circumcision. The mask could also serve as a power object for the purposes of healing, protection, and successful outcomes.
Provenance
by 1941 - 1955
Erhard Weyhe [Weyhe Gallery], New York, NY, USA [1]
1955
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, purchased from Erhard Weyhe [2]
1955 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [3]
Notes:
[1] A document dated December 15, 1955 and signed by Morton D. May stated this object was "secured by the original expedition sent into Africa by Weyhe and was subsequently put on sale and display in 1941" [SLAM document files].
[2] An invoice dated January 28, 1955 from E. Weyhe to May documents the purchase of this object, listed as "Cameroon Head" [May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].
[3] A letter dated January 30, 1956 from Charles Nagel, director of the City Art Museum, to May acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 8, 1955.
Erhard Weyhe [Weyhe Gallery], New York, NY, USA [1]
1955
Morton D. May (1914-1983), St. Louis, MO, purchased from Erhard Weyhe [2]
1955 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by Morton D. May [3]
Notes:
[1] A document dated December 15, 1955 and signed by Morton D. May stated this object was "secured by the original expedition sent into Africa by Weyhe and was subsequently put on sale and display in 1941" [SLAM document files].
[2] An invoice dated January 28, 1955 from E. Weyhe to May documents the purchase of this object, listed as "Cameroon Head" [May Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum].
[3] A letter dated January 30, 1956 from Charles Nagel, director of the City Art Museum, to May acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 8, 1955.