A Fascinating old carved wood and plant fiber dance mask from the Kukunda Initiation rites of the Yaka peoples. The mask was created with a wooden face, painted white and orange and decorated with a headdress and large raffia grass collar. It is likely that this Yaka mask is the ndeemba. These masks are made by the newly circumcised initiates to wear during dances. These events indicate the end of the ritual and mark the young men’s return to daily village life. Aside from a way to mark the new initiates return to the village, the Yaka people also use these festivities as a form of entertainment and fundraising. Following the end of the 'coming-out' ceremony the initiates, together with their masks, tour neighboring villages. Afterwards, the masks are then discarded. This mask measures . A metal display stand can also be included for an additional $50.00. Provenance: Field collected by Lawson Mooney, Ex Director of Catholic Aid Agency Zaire, Prior to 1965; Ex. Gelbard Collection, NY.

Fair, well worn, headdress a bit tattered and off center.