cma-african-art: Helmet Mask, late 1800s-early 1900s, Cleveland Museum of Art: African ArtSuku helme
cma-african-art: Helmet Mask, late 1800s-early 1900s, Cleveland Museum of Art: African ArtSuku helmet masks are often used in initiation ceremonies for young men in the society. The masks intend to protect the reproductive abilities of newly initiated males. Helmet masks such as this represent images of deceased elders in the society. They are believed to ensure successful hunting, help cure illnesses, and protect its wearer from evil. The handle was originally hidden by a fringe of raffia fibers. The gazelle or antelope shape is typically associated with folktales, proverbs, and personal hunting exploits.Size: Overall: 50 x 25 x 27.2 cm (19 11/16 x 9 13/16 x 10 11/16 in.)Medium: wood, basketry reed, metalhttps://clevelandart.org/art/2010.450 -- source link
#africanart#museumarchive#cmaopenaccess#clevelandartmuseum