Mask – Wood- Yaka / Nkanu – Congo

Worn during male initiation ceremonies, masks like these represented all departed ancestors. Mourning songs were sung during the ritual; the vertical lines on the face are tears. Neighbors of the Yaka, Suku masks are more conservative in their facial treatments. Although styles vary, there is usually a massive collar of raffia and often a figure or animal on the top of the mask.
This rare mask is wonderful in its proportions and colouring, it provides a beautiful contrast with the white kaolin face, the typical overhanging brows lend this ethereal face beauty and melancholy.
The mask is in a fgood condition with a beautiful aged patina.

Provenance: former private collection from the Netherlands