Kabemba Mask

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 has two long, upright horns, and is decorated with pieces of cut metal strips. It has raffia attached to it through holes drilled round the sides. This was originally part of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum collection. It was acquired by the British Museum in 1954.

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Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Kabemba Mask
  • Materials: Wood, Metal, Vegetable, organic fibre
  • Culture Group: Temne
  • Dimensions: 690mm [L] x 290mm [W] x 200mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1954
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Wellcome Historical Medical Museum
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1954.23.3499

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