A striking Makunda ( or Nkanda) Initiation mask from the Yaka peoples, DRC / CONGO, central Africa. This mask features a strong and bold wooden mask face and elaborate crown of wood and textiles and surmounted by a female effigy figure..Makunda is the initiation society used to transition male children into their their next stage as adults. Yaka boys considered ready for initiation are then taken to a bush camp outside of the main village, circumcised, hazed, given new adult names, and taught what it takes to become a man including hunting, how to be a provider for their family, honoring their ancestors and elders ,the difference between a contributing member of society or a deviant, and about sex.During this initiation camp they also taught specific performances and dances associated with society and the community which they will preform at the end of their initiation ceremony.Following the completion of initiation rites, the young boys are led out of seclusion and back into the community. Before festivities can begin, the village elders commission a carver to create a series of masks. These masks are worn during public festivities, including a great village feast, to welcome the initiates back to the community. Masqueraders perform for the community and receive gifts from bystanders.Following the end of the \\\\\\\'coming-out\\\\\\\' ceremony the initiates, together with their masks, tour neighboring villages and perform their dances.At that time, the masks are sold or discarded. The boys are now considered men of the village.The mask itself measures 31 x 15 inches ( 31 inches tall on display stand) Ex collection Mr. Martin, Washington DC.

Fair, well handled