Mask - Wood - DR Congo
Magnificent African Mask for collectors YAKA ethnic group from the Democratic Republic of Congo It dates back to the early 20th century. Material(s) : polychrome wood, fabric, pigments. Mask topped by a headdress in fabric, painted with geometric motifs. Provenance: Private collection of Mr. Lucien Van De Velde, Brussels. Then, private A. Filangi Collection, Paris. Evidence available (purchase slip) . This Yaka initiation mask would appear at the moment of the circumcision stage of the Mukanda initiation. It would appear alone and then announced the period when adolescent boys will be separated from the village. The lower part of the mask consists in a face in wood. The almond-shaped eyes are slightly open and are surrounded by marked eyelids, framing the triangular nose. On each side of the face there is an ear in half-circle. The half-open mouth is showing the teeth. The long handle placed under the chin enabled the dancer to wear the mask. The top part consists in a headdress of several layers of fibres with a geometric decoration. The motifs, the nose raised up towards the sky, have a sexual aspect, highlighting the importance of progeny. The whole mask presents very bright polychromy. The face is covered with ochre, whereas there are traces of blue and black pigments, as well as kaolin, around the eyes. This type of mask is one of the rare Yaka masks and its patina attests of its ritual use.
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Magnificent African Mask for collectors YAKA ethnic group from the Democratic Republic of Congo It dates back to the early 20th century. Material(s) : polychrome wood, fabric, pigments. Mask topped by a headdress in fabric, painted with geometric motifs. Provenance: Private collection of Mr. Lucien Van De Velde, Brussels. Then, private A. Filangi Collection, Paris. Evidence available (purchase slip) . This Yaka initiation mask would appear at the moment of the circumcision stage of the Mukanda initiation. It would appear alone and then announced the period when adolescent boys will be separated from the village. The lower part of the mask consists in a face in wood. The almond-shaped eyes are slightly open and are surrounded by marked eyelids, framing the triangular nose. On each side of the face there is an ear in half-circle. The half-open mouth is showing the teeth. The long handle placed under the chin enabled the dancer to wear the mask. The top part consists in a headdress of several layers of fibres with a geometric decoration. The motifs, the nose raised up towards the sky, have a sexual aspect, highlighting the importance of progeny. The whole mask presents very bright polychromy. The face is covered with ochre, whereas there are traces of blue and black pigments, as well as kaolin, around the eyes. This type of mask is one of the rare Yaka masks and its patina attests of its ritual use.
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