Yaka Kholuka mask
African art and initiation
African mask with a snub nose typical of the Yaka in the south of the Democratic Republic. These masks called kholuka were linked to the mukanda circumcision ritual like many masks from this region among other ethnic groups such as the Chokwe. This one despite its age has preserved its polychromy very well. The figure sitting at the top is also in perfect condition. Despite its distracting or berating appearance, this traditional mask acts as a welcoming, protective charm.
During the dances which followed the nkhanda initiation, among the Yaka, a series of masks appeared in solo or in duet. The strongest charm masks are the first and the last in the series, namely kambaandzia and kholuka, the latter being topped with an image as is the case here.
The solo wearer in the kholuka mask approaches amid the screams of the crowd of spectators, eagerly, the mask dropped over his shoulders rather than worn in disguise.
Stylistically, the facial features of traditional Bayaka masks can be greatly exaggerated. The nose is particularly prominent and often presents an elongated appendage which points upwards and can come back towards the face, which we can see very well on the mask that I am proposing to you here.
In Yaka culture, the nose is more than the organ of smell, it alludes to body odor, seduction and sexual desire. It also refers to the ndzofu hut where the initiates sleep and the tree planted in front of it: this represents the sides, the chest and the back of the elephant while as it grows the tree becomes the trunk, and intertwined climbing stems outline its ears.
Copies of similar quality can be seen in various museums including the Africa Museum (Royal Museum for Central Africa) in Brussels.
For more information, see Art of the Yaka and Suku, Arthur P. BOURGEOIS.
02062
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1960
- Size
- 77 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- Franco Maria Ricci, Italy
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
African art and initiation
African mask with a snub nose typical of the Yaka in the south of the Democratic Republic. These masks called kholuka were linked to the mukanda circumcision ritual like many masks from this region among other ethnic groups such as the Chokwe. This one despite its age has preserved its polychromy very well. The figure sitting at the top is also in perfect condition. Despite its distracting or berating appearance, this traditional mask acts as a welcoming, protective charm.
During the dances which followed the nkhanda initiation, among the Yaka, a series of masks appeared in solo or in duet. The strongest charm masks are the first and the last in the series, namely kambaandzia and kholuka, the latter being topped with an image as is the case here.
The solo wearer in the kholuka mask approaches amid the screams of the crowd of spectators, eagerly, the mask dropped over his shoulders rather than worn in disguise.
Stylistically, the facial features of traditional Bayaka masks can be greatly exaggerated. The nose is particularly prominent and often presents an elongated appendage which points upwards and can come back towards the face, which we can see very well on the mask that I am proposing to you here.
In Yaka culture, the nose is more than the organ of smell, it alludes to body odor, seduction and sexual desire. It also refers to the ndzofu hut where the initiates sleep and the tree planted in front of it: this represents the sides, the chest and the back of the elephant while as it grows the tree becomes the trunk, and intertwined climbing stems outline its ears.
Copies of similar quality can be seen in various museums including the Africa Museum (Royal Museum for Central Africa) in Brussels.
For more information, see Art of the Yaka and Suku, Arthur P. BOURGEOIS.