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Hemba

Ritual Head

Mid–/late 19th century
Wood, animal fur (contemporary facsimile based on period examples), and twine
17.8 × 14 cm (7 × 5.5 in)

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Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This male ritual head bears the crossed coiffure and regal, elongated face with arched brows and almond-shaped eyes that are characteristic of Hemba sculpture. The fur attached to the base of this sculpture is not original. This sculpture was possibly once kept in a basket or gourd and would have been used by the head of the clan to foster communication between the living and the ancestral realm.

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