Yiteke Yaka Figure
Human representation in African art
African Yaka statues are actually a form of fetish. They are ritually charged lineage figures, which is why small accessories and magical charges are regularly seen there, unless they have been cleaned by their previous owner.
The Yaka who were arrested by the Portuguese in the 16th century in their conquest of the kingdom of Kongo, are eastern neighbors of the Bakongo. Their territory stretches from northern Angola to southwestern DR Congo. Their Yaka corpus is significant, including statues, masks, whistles, combs, etc. The hypertrophy of the extremely raised nose, the detachment of the shoulder blades, the exaggerated prognathism are characteristics of their human figuration. The crest hairstyle, the general lines of the sculpture bring it closer to that of the Mbala, the Wana, the Pende and, more distantly, the Teke and the Yanzi.
In the context photos, Yaka individuals holding masks with their characteristic snub noses, as well as a man wearing a traditional headdress.
01541
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 28 x 7 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Portugal
- Condition
- Excellent
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Human representation in African art
African Yaka statues are actually a form of fetish. They are ritually charged lineage figures, which is why small accessories and magical charges are regularly seen there, unless they have been cleaned by their previous owner.
The Yaka who were arrested by the Portuguese in the 16th century in their conquest of the kingdom of Kongo, are eastern neighbors of the Bakongo. Their territory stretches from northern Angola to southwestern DR Congo. Their Yaka corpus is significant, including statues, masks, whistles, combs, etc. The hypertrophy of the extremely raised nose, the detachment of the shoulder blades, the exaggerated prognathism are characteristics of their human figuration. The crest hairstyle, the general lines of the sculpture bring it closer to that of the Mbala, the Wana, the Pende and, more distantly, the Teke and the Yanzi.
In the context photos, Yaka individuals holding masks with their characteristic snub noses, as well as a man wearing a traditional headdress.