African Arts Gallery

This slightly concave African mask whose lower part is divided into two planes like a wide mouth probably forms an unusual version of Mbole masks. Its particularity lies in its oblique, striated eyelids, highlighted by an eyebrow arch in high relief. This type of mask was kept in a basket in the lodge belonging to the ekanga secret society. Spotted patina. Height on base: 45 cm.
The province of Lualaba had several close ethnic groups with similar associations. The Mbole and the Yela are known for their statues embodying, according to D. Biebuck, hanged men, named ofika. The lilwa , an association with dogmatic initiation rites, used to judge and condemn to hanging those guilty of breaches of the imposed rules. These offenses ranged from murder to adultery to breaking the secrecy surrounding the lilwa. Dishonored, the bodies of the condemned enjoyed no funeral and were buried in the forest. It was during the end of initiation ceremonies, presided over by a notable isoya, that these statues were exhibited, presented lying on a litter. In addition to this type of figure, the Yela carve effigies of ancestors. The Yela worship nature spirits and ancestors.