African Arts Gallery

Yaka ancestor figure (N° 15036)

This figure of African art Yaka depicts a lineage leader sitting on a throne. These lineage charms, which provided protection against enemies, were carried out according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the object's sponsor. Animal figures overcoming human sculptures or Yaka masks refer to various folk tales, proverbs and hunting stories.
Lack at one of the armrests of the seat. A black patina satinée.br / Hierarchical and authoritarian, composed of fearsome warriors, Yaka society was ruled by lineage leaders with the right to life and death over their subjects. Hunting and the prestige that comes with it are an opportunity today for the Yaka to summon ancestors and resort to rituals with the help of charms. The initiation society of young people is the n-khanda , which is found in the Eastern Kongo (Chokwe, Luba, etc...),and which uses various charms and masks in order to ensure a vigorous lineage. Ethnic artistic productions have been subject to the influences of neighbouring populations, mainly the Suku and Lula ethnic groups, and are sometimes difficult to differentiate.