Initiation mask "ndeemba" of the "nkhanda" society ·  D. R. Congo, Yaka · ID: 3041872

Description

wood, polychrome pigments, rattan, cloth, small mask face with characteristic facial features and “curled” nose, bonnet with pagoda-like superstructure with five antenna-like extensions, slightly dam., minor missing parts, abrasion of paint, grass fibre collar missing;
Yaka masks make their appearance only during the initiation ceremonies that are performed for boys. The initiation (“nkhanda”) prepares them for social adulthood and is designed to safeguard the continuity of human fertility. The young men return to the village at the end of the period and perform masked dances. They are accompanied by men who have supervised them during the initiation period, who are also wearing masks.