Initiation mask "ndeemba" ·  D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3037036

Description

small wooden mask face, embedded in abundant grass fibre cuff, rattan bonnet coated with cloth, supporting a phantastic pagoda-like superstructure with five antenna-like projections, wood and cloth dyed with polychrome pigments, slightly dam., missing parts (teeth, handle, one antenna), abrasion of paint;
rituals and social activities that confer social manhood on uncircumcised boys are known among the Yaka as “nkhanda”. Present mask is part of the coming-out festivities and presentation of the young adults.