Kabemba Mask

A Kabemba, or Ka-bemba, mask worn during the initiation of Temne boys into the Poro society. Ka-bemba means grandfather, or forefather, and is worn by the person who leads the boys into the society bush for circumcision, and then out again. This example is ovoid in shape and decorated with strips of metal. It has raffia attached to it through holes drilled round the sides.

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Further Information

  • Type: Masks, headdresses
  • Object: Kabemba Mask
  • Materials: Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre, Metal
  • Culture Group: Temne
  • Dimensions: 470mm [L] x 250mm [W] x 210mm [C]
  • Production Date: Pre 1952
  • Associated Places: Unknown
  • Associated People: Church Missionary Society [Collector]
  • Museum: British Museum
  • Accession Number: BM:Af.1952.7.15

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