African Arts Gallery

Ex-Belgian collection of African art African mask whose surface bears deep streaks alternating red ocher and black pigments. These broad bands could correspond to the group's ritual paintings. Reduced features are uncommon. Grainy matte patina.
The Tetela and Yela groups are of Mongo origin and are neighbors. Tetela sculpture takes varied forms, borrowed from the clans they live with, including Songye inspirations with polychrome works. Several ethnic groups divided into lineages live closely together in the center of Zaire: the Mbole, the Yela, the Lengola, and the Metoko, and have similar associations. This proximity has generated certain stylistic borrowings. Their artistic production indeed presents great analogies with that of the Metoko and the Lengola. Their divination masks were exhibited during the closing ceremonies of the initiation and circumcision of the young people of the nkunda divination society, during which their "nsembu" or "ibola" masks appeared in pairs, male Female. These associations, including the lilwa of the Yela and the Mbole, also judged those who were guilty of theft, adultery, and murder. The judge, a high dignitary named isoya, also presided over the ritual festivals marking the end of the initiations.