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Type:	mask
Ethnic Group:	Yaka
Country:	Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)
ECU Number:	L0016
Description:	This wood mask has an upturned nose, fiber crown projection, raffia suspensions, and pigments. It is a Ndemba style mask, representative of those used to celebrate the Òcoming outÓ of young men from their initiation camp. The upturned nose, distinctive to the Yaka, may symbolize a bird beak, elephant trunk, or phallus.
Significance researched to date:	The Yaka are very productive artistically and are known for their circumcision masks, especially the kholuka masks which allude to themes of procreation or domestic activity and have conical extensions and puppet- like human and animal figures on the crown. This Ndemba style mask is representative of those used to celebrate the Òcoming outÓ of young men from the initiation camp, Nkanda. These masks are used as dance wands and are worn on the head. Also they may be held before the face momentarily in the rite of passage. The upturned nose, distinctive to the Yaka, may symbolize a bird beak, elephant trunk, or phallus. These masks do not depict ancestors or spirits, but are considered to be charms. They are usually burned after the initiation, but are sometimes sold or rented.(Biebuyck, vol.1, 143-144,179-180, Cornet, 98, 106)