A Fine Old Dance Mask Yaka Suku People from the Congo Africa

A Fine Old Yaka Suku People Dance Mask from the Congo Africa

This large expressive Mask is from the Yaka- Suku People in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Africa.  The reason I own this mask is that I wanted to have a few beautiful African Artworks to mix with my Oceanic Artworks in my home. I have almost no experience in African Art and I only bought what I liked visually. I particularly like the remnants of colour on this mask.

Throughout the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola, brightly painted and decorated masks are used to mark the transition to adult life. during the initiation period, which may last a year or more, adolescent boys are separated from the village and made to undergo a series of ordeals, including circumcision, designed to measure their strength and courage. These tests often culminate in the boys’ symbolic death as children and rebirth as men. Among Yaka and Suku peoples, the conclusion of the coming to manhood rites is accompanied by performances of dance masks. The imagery that surmounts these masks translates into visual form the lyrics of songs that emphasize gender differences.

Provenance: Old UK Collection:  The Todd Barlin Collection of Tribal Art

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