YAKA MASK, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Arts Tribaux LLC

One of a kind mask made for a young Yaka man during his coming of age education ("nkhanda") with other males in isolation from his family. He wears it during his period in initiation ceremonies.  During the education, the boys undergo a number of physical ordeals, including circumcision. The education is a period when the boy symbolically dies and becomes a man. The masks are believed to protect the boys and teach them important social and moral values. The mask is composed of carved wood with raffia collar attached to a basket framework covered with fiber cloth. (The height of the mask does inlcude the raffia.)

Includes mount.

$950.00

Artwork details