Mask, Yaka; D.R.C. Congo
Wood, cloth, rattan, pigment, raffia fiber; H. 24
1/2"
This mask is from the central Yaka
around the sector of Kasongo Lunda, as evidenced
by its camber-shaped eyelids yet bearing the influence
of Northern Yaka puppetry-like additions to a mask
coiffure. The surmounting image features a seated
female with genitals separately depicted beneath
her. This imagery partakes of sung refrains exchanged
between dance leaders and bystanders. Although individually
composed, these verses function as socially sanctioned
but jolting abuse. Highly ribald and lewd references
are directed towards women, political slogans, and
government regulations, and local authorities are
ridiculed. All of this is simultaneously charged
with humor, giving bent to expressions that in other
contexts would be serious execrations. Songs continue
themes of the initiation in which the hardships
of the initiation camp are recalled, including the
abstinence of Nkhanda officials. Interspersed
are phrases that demonstrate the complete license
accorded the leading masked dancer. Women, above
all, are disparaged and their sexual organs described
and insulted with recommendations that they be washed.
All of this proceeds much to the amusement of the
crowd participating in the sung refrains.
