AAA58 Hemba mask

A mask featuring the characteristic traits of Hemba art

The AAA58 mask presented by Versmissen is a wooden piece originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dating from the 20th century, it measures 22 × 31 × 45 cm. Its narrow eye slits, positioned beneath arched eyebrows, are distinctive features of Hemba masks.

The Hemba are a subgroup of the Luba ethnic group established in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, east of the Lualaba River. They are particularly renowned for their statuary dedicated to chiefs. This mask forms part of that artistic heritage through the distinctive treatment of the eyes and brow arches. Its proportions and lines offer insight into a visual expression directly associated with 20th-century Hemba artistic production.

Details of the Hemba mask AAA58

• Wooden mask
• Eyes depicted as narrow slits
• Arched eyebrows
• Dimensions: 22 × 31 × 45 cm
• Originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo