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, with a long triangular nose, three scars on each cheek, and five vertical scar lines on the forehead. 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
  • Culture Group: Temne
  • Dimensions: 360mm [H] x 190mm x 235mm
  • Production Date: Pre 1960
  • Associated Places: Magburuka, Tonkilili District (Collected)
  • Associated People: Guy Massie-Taylor (Collector)
  • Museum: Glasgow Museums
  • Accession Number: GLAMG:A.1985.13.ap

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