Basuku del Norte - R.D. Congo

Helmet masks of this type are produced by the northern Suku. The term most often used to refer to them is Hemba.
This mask, equipped with protective amulets and associated with the circumcision ritual, appears
during the retreat period of the Tundansi, novices, when they are taught important spells.
A pair of Hemba masks also dance during the festivities that mark the end of the retreat period.
This circumcision mask was called Hunga and was part of the group of ritual masks
that women were forbidden to approach: "the Hunga is a large wooden mask
that is placed on the head, and the person who wears it is the leader of the group" (Verbist, 1932).
In the Suku language, the word Hunga is a verb meaning “to close, to hide”, while
in Yaka it means “to turn one's face”. The face has a round, chubby structure, lowered eyelids
and a narrow, elongated mouth, without lips and with circular holes along its length.

Provenance: Berthe Hartert collection
Argiles Collection, Barcelona