“During the 18th century, the Hemba people, led by their chief Niembo, migrated from the south-west and settled on the right bank of the Lualaba River, in a region of fertile savannah. Today, they number 80,000 and are divided into large clans which, by definition, are families with a common ancestor. The hereditary chief of each clan is called the Fumu Mwalo and is the keeper of the ancestor figures. He renders justice and his status as clan head means that he has a privilege of receiving numerous gifts. The Hemba live mostly from farming manioc, sesame, yams and beans. Secret societies such as Bukazanzi for the men and Bukibilo for the women counterbalance the Fumu Mwalo’s power.
Two types of Hemba mask have been identified so far: the first is the rarest and displays a perfectly symmetrical human face with a small mouth and a linear nose set between two slanted eyes. The second type of mask imitates a monkey face with a large, pierced, crescent-shaped mouth and pointed nose. The function and meaning of these masks remain obscure.”
Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.
Art from this Tribe
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Male Hemba African Statue 29.5″ – DR Congo
$200.00$100.00View More -
Elegant Male Hemba Figure 32″ – DRC – African Art
$180.00$90.00View More -
Male Hemba Style Statue 19.5″ – DRC – African Art
$140.00$70.00View More -
Handsome Luba/Hemba Male Figure on Base 12.5″ – DR Congo
$100.00$50.00View More -
Male Hemba Statue on Custom Base 17.5″ – DR Congo – African Art
$150.00$75.00View More -
Male Hemba Statue On Wood Base 17.5″ – DR Congo – African Art
$125.00$62.50View More -
Handsome Male Hemba Statue 14.5″ – DR Congo – African Art
$295.00$147.50View More