The objects of the mukanda initiation
Object type:
mask
Materials:
wood, raffia, pigment, vegetal fibre, textile
Legend:
This Yaka mask is a ndeemba type. The rather curled up nose is often found on the Yaka masks of the mukanda. The symbolism of the organ of smell with its strange shape is often associated with the elephant's trunk which refers to the male member and is a symbol of procreation.
Place of collecting:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango
Culture:
Yaka
Acquisition related person:
L. Huygen as donor
Date of acquisition:
1913-05-05
Dimensions:
43,3 cm
Inventory number:
EO.0.0.12343