Kakunga mask – Textile, Wood, Raphia – Yaka – Congo

Great hand mask of the YAKA tribe, Africa, CONGO.
Piece with an unmatched appearance! In good condition.
The mask was held high during initiation rituals, so it towered above the masses.

The item is in good condition with traces of wear and tear.
There is a nice white kaolin clay layer on the face with some Tukula red and white pigment.

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, includes circumcision which 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.

Provenance: former private Italian collection