The Yaka like to surround themselves, in daily life, with charms decorated with cephalomorphic carved objects, such as this African musical instrument, Yaka slit drum, mukoku ngombu, for divination ceremonies and healing rites. The head, which would represent the diviner mediator wearing a high cap, has coffee bean eyes deeply surrounded. The neck is encircled by a cord made of plant fibers that attach it to the staff. Satin dark brown patina, locally abraded. Cracks of desiccation. Among the Yaka, at the new moon, the diviner ngaanga ngoombu covers his face with kaolin before emitting an oracle. During its diurnal passage in the subsoil, the moon smears itself with this white clay. The night would convey the virtues of life. The drum Mukoku Nogombu is the miniature version of the big slotted drums mondo and accompanies the ritual songs. Ingredients were also mixed for medicinal use. Provenance: old american collection