Yaka Mask
The Yaka/ Bayaka people live in Southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
They live in the forest and savanna areas between the Kwango and Wamba rivers.
They are very well know for their artistic skills.
Many of their religious and cultural customs transcend ethnic boundaries, and, are shared with the Suku and Lunda.
Masks are seen as means of protection or images of elders and cultural heroes, and are worn predominantly during initiation ceremonies related to the Ngoni and the Yiwilla societies.
This mask, with depiction of two abstract birds, belongs to a tradition appearing in initiation and circumcision rituals (mukhanda).
