Statue of a Yaka ancestor. - DR Congo

Origin. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Tribe name. Yaka-Suku
Material. Wood
Dimensions. 68 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo in 24–48 hours

Yaka Statue – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Artistic, stylistic, and ethnographic description
This remarkable anthropomorphic wooden sculpture, attributed to the Yaka people, who originate from the southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo, depicts a standing female figure in a hieratic pose, bearing numerous small carved figures and ritual accessories.
The work stands out for the richness of its composition, the expressive power of its face, and the complexity of the elements accompanying it. It belongs to the Yaka sculptural tradition, in which human figures may be associated with protection, healing, and mediation with invisible forces.
The torso features clearly defined female breasts. A small anthropomorphic head appears at the center of the chest, attached with orange-red fiber ties.
Numerous miniature figures are arranged around the body. Some have pointed headdresses, while others have schematic faces. They are held in place by a network of cords that cross the torso, shoulders, and limbs.
The relatively large head rests on a long, cylindrical neck. The face displays several features of Yaka aesthetics:
Wide-open eyes, surrounded by raised, light-colored areas that heighten their expressiveness.
A short, prominent nose adorned with two yellow-metal nails with domed heads.
A small, slightly open mouth.
Rectangular lateral projections embellished with metal nails.
A conical hairstyle or headdress, the front of which is decorated with several rows of brass or copper-alloy nails.
The contrast between the dark brown patina and the light areas of the face heightens the striking expression.
Numerous miniature figures are arranged around the body. Some have pointed headdresses, while others have schematic faces. They are held in place by a network of cords that cross the torso, shoulders, and limbs.
The main figure also holds or supports an elongated cylindrical element, positioned diagonally in front of its body.
The result is a dense, almost architectural composition, in which the central figure appears to gather and bear several human or symbolic presences.
Patina and materials
The wood has an aged, dark brown patina, with polished surfaces on the head, neck, and some of the secondary figures. Lighter areas of wear reveal the underlying material, particularly on the back, shoulders, and legs.
The domed-head metal nails, orange-red cords, and attached carved elements contribute to the work’s material and visual richness.
A work of great sculptural and symbolic complexity, remarkable for the accumulation of ritual figurines attached to the main body and the combination of different sculptural elements.