Artwork Page for Helmet Mask (tönköngba or tabakän)

Details / Information for Helmet Mask (tönköngba or tabakän)

Helmet Mask (tönköngba or tabakän)

early 1900s

Africa, West Africa, Guinea, possibly Landuma-style carver

Medium
Wood and natural fibers
Measurements
Overall: 76.2 cm (30 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Katherine C. White 1969.3
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
108A African
Print
?

Did You Know?

When worn, this mask lies nearly flat across the head.

Description

It seems that this type of object--once used among various peoples in the region--could have served both as a shrine and as a dance headdress. It would only have been part of a dance when a sacrifice to the ancestors was needed, at a funeral, or during a male initiation. Despite obvious animal references, the type represents an invented composite being that some described as a creature of the sea.

Helmet Mask (tönköngba or tabakän)

early 1900s

Africa, West Africa, Guinea, possibly Landuma-style carver

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