Very beautiful mask, made of wood, which comes from the Yaka ethnic group of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Height: 36 cm, width: 17 cm, patina of wear

The Yaka ethnic group

The Yaka, numbering about three hundred thousand, live in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, along the Wanba River. Annexed by the Lunda of Angola in the 18th century, but having regained their independence during the 19th century, they maintain a highly structured society dominated by a chief, the kiamfu, who delegates his responsibilities to his ministers and clan chiefs, the unkwagata.

The initiation of young people, entrusted to the Nkanda society, is of great importance to the Yaka! It provides young people with traditional teaching (songs, dances, medicinal plants, etc.) and places particular emphasis on the importance of descendants and consequently on sexual practices. It can last several years during which the young people are removed from the village for periodic retreats in the forest. It concludes with the circumcision of the new initiates, which gives rise to major ceremonies.

Yaka masks

The Yaka masks, of a great variety, were mainly worn during initiation ceremonies; the masks linked to initiations are recognizable by their curved nose,which would be the sign of great sexual power.

They were generally burned at the end of the initiation period, which explains their rarity!

The Yaka hand mask

was, as its name suggests, worn in the hand in front of the face; It has a beautiful shiny patina and a patina of wear on the handle

Variants of the name Yaka

Ayaka, Bayaka, Bayéké, Djakka, Giaka, Iaca, Iaka, Jaca, Joca, Mayaka, Ngiaka, Yagga, Yakas