Henry Rosy and the initiation of gaza wuli
Theme:
landscape, religious life, rites and beliefs, village sceneries, buildings, architecture and construction
Photographer:
Henry Rosy
Place of production:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Equateur > Ubangi > Congo-Ubangi
Culture:
Ngbaka
Legend:
This palisade, the ndoko gaza, serves as the entrance into the centre of the initiation enclosure where young boys will be circumcised and then spend several months in confinement. The long poles are decorated on top with straw protrusions called "swallows nests" which, according to some authors, symbolise the souls of their ancestors.
Acquisition related person:
Henry Rosy as donor
Original legend:
Cérémonie de la circoncision chez les Bwaka.
Ndoko-Gaza, l'entrée de l'enclos du Butu Gaza.
C'est une très jolie construction de paille (esobe) en quelque sorte une palissade; en haut des perches les "Toa Dandyia", nids à oiseaux.
Inventory number:
EP.0.0.6264