Initiation mask – Textile, Wood – 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.
This initiate`s mask has an upturned nose, a characteristic of YAKA artistic output. The use of pigments, vegetal fibres and the spectacular spikes on top of the head creates an overall feeling of mystery.

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.

Provenance: former private German collection