Initiation Mask: Kabemba
Artist: Temne People (African)
Date: 19th - early 20th century
Dimensions:
H. 20 in. (50.8 cm).
Medium: Wood with applied and incised sheet copper.
Place of Origin: Sierra Leone
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1964.55
Label Text:Masks are often central to initiation rites in Africa that prepare youth for adulthood. Among Temne peoples, the principal mask in male initiation rites is called Kabemba, which means “ancestor.” Temne initiation is referred to as ‘the kingdom of Temne,’ in which boys are ‘crowned’ into manhood in a metaphoric parallel to royal coronation. Kabemba is a benevolent spirit who leads the boys on the seventh day to the river for their ritual washing. Copper strips with incised and stamped decorative patterns may have served to transmit arcane knowledge to the initiates.
Not on view
In Collection(s)