African Arts Gallery

This type of neckrest called musaw or m-baambu, kept in the bedrooms, is part of the African tribal art objects integrating the personal ritual charms of the matrilineal leaders and heads of families in order to preserve their headdresses. Some of these sculptures had magical charges inserted into discreet cavities. Brown patina with mahogany reflections.
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 ...

Collection of African Belgian art.
This Yaka Kholuka mask, said of circumcision and initiation of young boys, marks the end of the period of confinement. These African masks represent various degrees of the hierarchy of initiates, and as the personal imagination can express itself freely in them, they are very varied. The set is well preserved. The representation of the upturned nose is quite characteristic of the Yaka ethnic group. The headdress is emblematic of the ethnic group. Yaka society is extremely hierarchical and authoritarian. The head of lineage indeed has the right of life and death over his subjects. As often, the artistic movement of the ethnic group was influenced by neighboring populations. For the Yaka, the influence comes mainly from the Suku and Kongo ethnic ...

Yaka Kholuka mask of circumcision and initiation of young boys, marking the end of the period of confinement.
These masks represent the various degrees of the insider hierarchy, and as the personal imagination can be expressed freely, they are very varied.
The set has retained its polychromy well.
The representation of the upturned nose is quite characteristic of the Yaka ethnic group. The headdress is topped with a cloth reptile.

The Yaka society is extremely hierarchical and authoritarian. The leader of lineage has the right to life and death on his subjects. As is often the case, the artistic current of the ethnic group has been influenced by neighbouring populations. For the Yaka, the influence comes mainly from the Suku and Kongo ethnic groups. Yaka's ...

An elaborate structure, based on textile-trimmed basketry, has a single circular tray framed by antennae for this northern Yaka mask. The Zombo also used similar masks sculpted by the Yaka. The visor here is broken. Insiders could wear these single-platform masks that appeared in pairs. Very beautiful locally abraded granular polychromy.
As initiation songs accompanied the appearance of the African Yaka mask, which incorporates the category of high-ranking masks thanks to its tiered headdress. Their design aroused the creativity of the sculptors whom the chefs rewarded for their talent. Hierarchical and authoritarian, composed of fearsome warriors, Yaka society was governed by lineage leaders with the right to life and death over their subjects. Hunting and the resulting prestige ...

This northern Yaka mask, which has a handle, is capped with a basket cap, which is draped in a textile where colorful decorative motifs partially flake. The face is cemented with a red ochre border including the ears and nostrils. The parallel lines drawn on the cheeks are the tears of the initiates. The Zombo also used similar masks sculpted by the Yaka. Insiders could wear these single-platform masks that appeared in pairs. Height on a base: 59 cm.
Locally abraded polychrome
As initiation songs accompanied the appearance of the African Yaka mask, which incorporates the category of high-ranking masks thanks to its tiered headdress. Their design aroused the creativity of the sculptors whom the chefs rewarded for their talent. Hierarchical and authoritarian, composed of ...

An elaborate structure, in textile-trimmed basketry, where a central cone bearing two circular trays framed by antennae form a strange headdress, distinguishes this African mask from the northern Yaka. The trumpet nose, a phallic symbol, an allusion to fertility, forms a distinctive feature confirming the yaka origin. The circular frame surrounding the face is reduced on this copy to a single visor. Natural pigments, curving, locally flaked.
Introducing songs accompanied the appearance of the African Yaka mask, which incorporates the category of high-ranking masks thanks to its tiered headdress. Their design aroused the creativity of the sculptors whom the chefs rewarded for their talent. Hierarchical and authoritarian, composed of fearsome warriors, Yaka society was ruled by ...

The Yaka like to surround themselves in daily life with charms embellished with sculpted objects with cephalomorphic motifs, such as this African musical instrument, Yaka slit drum, mukoku ngombu, nkoku ngombu, intended for divination ceremonies and curative rites. The head, which would represent the mediator diviner wearing a high skullcap, has a heart-shaped face in which the eyelids protrude.
Satin patina, locally abraded. Cracks and marks of use. Among the Yaka, at the new moon, the ngaanga ngoombu diviner covers his face with kaolin before issuing an oracle. During its daytime passage through the underground, the moon coats itself with this white clay. The night would convey the virtues of life. The Mukoku Nogombu drum is the miniature version of the large mondo slit ...

These tribal statues providing protection against enemies were made according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the sponsor of the object. This tribal art sculpture was then activated using rituals and incantatory formulas. Among neighboring Kongo clans, the naked, squatting posture, sondama, evokes emergency action, attacking enemies in a supernatural way. Smooth orange-brown patina. Desication cracks.

The Suku and Yaka ethnic groups, geographically very close in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have the same social and political structure as well than similar cultural practices. They can only be differentiated by their stylistic variations. Hierarchical and authoritarian, made up of fearsome warriors, Yaka society was ruled by lineage leaders ...

Among the ritual charms of matrilineal leaders and heads of families, this type of neck support named musaw or m-baambu, makes part of African tribal art objects related to prestige. These dignitaries, who kept them in their bedrooms, sought to preserve their sophisticated headdresses.
Some of these sculptures had magical charges inserted into discreet cavities.
Satin honey patina, small accidents.
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 ...

Among the Yaka regalia, this type of anthropomorphic container was used to store kaolin or other ingredients for the investiture of chiefs. The head composes the lid. Its belt brings together miniature subjects with a protective aim.
Light brown ocher crusty patina, polychrome highlights. Cracks, erosions.

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 ...

This necklace of dried seeds, tubular beads, and a talisman from which two carefully carved heads appear, is a lineage charm that protects against enemies. It was carried out according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the sponsor of the object. 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 ...

br>This African Yaka mask, carved in soft wood, depicts a mythical antelope from local tales, patron saint of young initiates. Partially abraded burgundy brown velvety patina.
Losses and desication cracks.
Height on base: 73 cm.
Hierarchical and authoritarian, made up of formidable warriors, the Yaka society, now established on the banks of the Waamba in the south west of the DRC (Kasai Occidental), 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 initiation ceremony for young people is called n-khanda, which is found among the eastern Kongo ...

Thesetribal statues, ritual charmsbelonging to lineages and providing protection against enemies, were made according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the sponsor of the object. These sculptures were then activated using rituals and incantatory formulas, and additions in the form of talismans. The headdress is that of the land chiefs. Beautiful shiny dark brown patina, abrasions.
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, ...

This type of neckrest, named musaw or m-baambu, is part of the objects of African tribal art integrating the ritual charms of the leaders of matrilineage and heads of families. The latter, who kept them in their bedrooms, sought to preserve their sophisticated tribal headdresses.
Some of these sculptures had magical charges inserted in discreet cavities.
Black satin 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 ...

Prestigious objects in African art Yaka
Among the feasts, ritual sculptures and ceremonial objects, belonging to a chef or a soothsayer, this fly-hunt with a carved handle is associated with the prestige of authority. It has a thin belt braided with vegetable fibers. The tuft of hair is held at the handle thanks to cleverly intertwined wicker rods. Shard on the ringed section. Satin patina.
Aerarchic 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 resulting prestige are an opportunity for the Yaka today to invoke ancestors and to resort to rituals using charms related to the institution .Khosi. The initiation society of young people is the n-khanda , which is found ...

Delicate neck support decorated with a zoomorphic caryatid evoking the mpakasa mask, rising from a circular base. Satin light brown patina, minor abrasions and crazing.
Located in the Democratic Congo between the Yaka and the Tchokwé of Angola, the small Holo ethnic group migrated from the Angolan coast to settle near the banks of the Kwango River. Hunting and agriculture ensure their subsistence. The neighboring ethnic groups, such as the Suku and Yaka, have influenced their traditional sculptures. The Holo did indeed produce helm masks and prestige items for the ruling elite. The Holo used sculptures to guard against the influence of evil spirits, including that of the moon and the rainbow. These statues were placed near dwellings as protection against lightning. Bird figures are ...

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 ...

Ritual charms in African art Yaka
This type of object-talisman, worn as a pendant, was used by the chief during collective hunts, in order to alert his team or his dog, in order to direct the prey towards a goal. The whistling was modulated by the lateral appendage. The double head motive is supposed to protect hunters from any occult influence that jeopardizes the outcome of the enterprise. The success of the hunts was assured by specialists thanks to a wide variety of ritual objects, bags filled with protective magic substances, transportable, but also assemblages of various materials placed in shelters. Dark oiled patina, slightly abraded by use.
Hierarchical and authoritarian, composed of fearsome warriors, Yaka society was ruled by lineage leaders with the right to life ...

This African mask of the Yaka, carved in soft wood, depicts the mythical antelope of local tales, patroness of young initiates. Velvety matte patina, halos and erosions.
Hierarchical and authoritarian, made up of formidable warriors, the Yaka society, now established on the banks of the Waamba in the southwest of the R.D.C. (Kasai Occidental), was governed by lineage chiefs 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 ceremony, called n-khanda and found among the Eastern Kongo (Chokwe, Luba, etc.), employs various charms and masks with the aim of s ensure a vigorous ...

These tribal statues, ritual charms belonging to lineages and providing protection against enemies, were made according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the sponsor of the object. These sculptures were then activated using rituals and incantatory formulas. The headdress is that of the land chiefs. Satin brown patina. Abrasions, chips.
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, ...

This type of neck rest named musaw or m-baambu, is among the African tribal art objects incorporating the ritual charms of matrilineal officials and family heads. The latter, who kept them in their bedrooms, sought to preserve their sophisticated tribal headdresses.
Some of these carvings had magical charges inserted into discrete cavities.
Abraded brown patina.
Hierarchical and authoritarian, composed of formidable warriors, Yaka society was governed by lineage chiefs with the right of life and death over their subjects. The hunt and the prestige that comes with it are the occasion today 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 ...