Mask "ndeemba"
D. R. Congo, Yaka
not available anymore
Provenance
Rob Vervoort, Molenstede-Diest, BelgiumEmmanuel Ameloot, Brussels, Belgium
Belgian Private Collection, Brussels
Size
41,5 cm
16.3 inch
Description
wood, plant fibre, pigment, base
The small mask face is worked on paddle shaped handle. The bonnet is made of extremely fine woven fibre with four raised cone forms and shows remains of accurate ornamental painting.
The mask was used in context of initiation “mukhanda”, that includes circumcision rituals. To mark the end of the educational period, festivities are held in which the initiates perform with newly carved masks. The dance of the masks is accompanied by chants confirming the male supremacy and the social rank of the young men.
Publications
AHDRC: 0153604