African Arts Gallery

These primitive African statues providing protection against enemies were made according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the sponsor of the object. This powerful tribal art object was then activated using rituals and incantatory formulas. Very unusual thanks to its expressive physiognomy, its joined hands indicating the confession of a fault, its base formed of contiguous webbed feet, this yaka statue also stands out for its structure.
Smooth golden brown patina.

Hierarchical and authoritarian, made up of formidable warriors, Yaka society was governed by lineage leaders with the right to life and death over their subjects. Hunting and the prestige that results from it are nowadays an opportunity for the Yaka to invoke the ancestors and to resort to rituals using charms linked to the "khosi" institution. The youth initiation society is the n-khanda, which is found among the eastern Kongo (Chokwe, Luba, etc.), and which uses various charms and masks for the purpose to ensure a vigorous lineage. Dedicating a special cult to twins, the Bayaka (Sing. Yaka) also use janiform statues called yikubu linked to the rites common to boys and girls. (C.M.Faïk-Nzuji, The Power of the Sacred)