Kabemba Mask

This resembles a Kabemba, or Ka-bemba, mask worn during the initiation of Temne boys into the Poro society. Ka-bemba means grandfather, or forefather, and is worn by the person who leads the boys into the society bush for circumcision, and then out again. This example had a pair of horns, characteristic of Kabemba masks, but they have been broken off. It has scarification marks on its forehead, and cheeks, and a string of blue and black glass beads through a hole in its right ear.

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Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Kabemba Mask
  • Materials: Wood, Glass
  • Culture Group: Temne
  • Dimensions: 420mm [L] x 290mm [W] x 220mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1973
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Paolo Morigi; Helmut Gernsheim
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1973.42.1

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