241027 - African Extremly Rare, Old & Large Mukhanda Yaka mask - Congo.
African Extremly Rare, Old & Large Mukhanda Yaka mask from Congo
Hand carved from a single piece of wood, with color pigments and Raffia.
Height: 115 cm and collected in the mid of the 20th century and with Certificate of Authenticity.
The most important event in the Yaka ceremonial cycle is the initiation of young boys into adulthood. To mark the end of the educational period, festivities are held in which the initiates perform with newly carved masks. Additionally, it showcases the most startling masks and the most spectacular dances.
Initiation mukhanda, that includes circumcision, is a crucial part of Yaka life. Circumcision and initiation, mandatory for all young men, are organized in a remote place called mukhanda-mu-msitu. The rituals are organized by the main secret societies : ngoni and yiwilla.