African Arts Gallery

Late version of African mask Metoko , Mituku , usually exhibited at the funerals of Bukota members. Velvety patina impregnated with kaolin.
The ethnic groups Mbole, Yela, Lengola and Metoko, whose iniatic societies have similarities, live on the left bank of the Zaire River, the Lualaba region in former Katanga. The visual works of these groups also have similarities.
Their society, the Butoka, welcoming both men and women, is the equivalent of the Bwami association of the Lega. The sculptures, often geometric and decorated with colored spots, played a role in the context of initiation ceremonies, and were then placed on the tomb of high-ranking initiates. Each of these figures had a name, following the example of lega traditions, referring to behaviors symbolized by characters. The two higher ranks, nkumi and kasimbi, enjoyed the prerogative of holding certain objects of worship.
(ref.: Art ande Life in Africa, C.D.Roy, "African Art" Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan.)