The objects of the mukanda initiation

Object type: mask
Materials: wood, raffia, pigment
Legend: This mask with red features from the Panzi region is called yilesi. Yilesi dances during the mukanda were worn to help weak individuals or those in poor health. In Panzi, it was used specifically to fight sterility.
Place of collecting: Democratic Republic of the Congo > Bandundu > Kwango
Culture: Suku
Acquisition related person: Royal Museums for Art and History - Brussels as exchange, G. Dehondt as seller
Date of acquisition: 1979-03-02
Dimensions: 33,2 cm x 20,3 cm x 25 cm
Inventory number: EO.1979.1.387