African mukhanda Yaka turtle mask - Congo.
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Late-20th-century African mukhanda Yaka turtle mask from Congo, carved from one piece of wood and decorated with pigments and raffia, 69 cm high, with provenance from a gallery owner and antiques dealer.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Congo: old African Yaka mukhanda turtle mask.
Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, with color pigments and raffia.
Height: 69 cm (wooden mask only).
The most important event in the Yaka ceremonial cycle is the initiation of young boys into adulthood. To mark the end of their education, festivities are held during which the initiates perform wearing newly carved masks. The event also features the most striking masks and the most spectacular dances.
The mukhanda initiation, which includes circumcision, is a crucial part of Yaka life. Circumcision and initiation, mandatory for all young men, take place in a remote location called mukhanda-mu-msitu. The rituals are organized by the main secret societies: ngoni and yiwilla.
These masks are carved for initiation and used only once. The carver (muumbwa) repairs and carves new masks for circumcision ceremonies, in which they are danced in pairs or groups, except for the mask worn by the leader of the tutors, who dances alone. Masked dancers first ask permission and beg for gifts wherever the initiates travel to perform. The ritual expert and his aide, the senior tutor, the sculptor, and the initiates wear different masks. The most common masks (kholuka) are used by initiates and vary greatly.
A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA GALLERY'S SELLING POLICIES.
Our Africa gallery specializes in Ethiopian tribal art. We collect and sell tribal art from all over Africa, especially Ethiopia.
Seller's Story
A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA-GALLERY SELLING POLICIES.
Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia.
Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items.
I hardly ever buy directly from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world.
This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices
We strive to provide deeper public appreciation for high quality African art and to make it accessible to all collectors.
High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection.
In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment.
As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them.
We guarantee the authenticity of every item and your complete satisfaction. We make every effort to research and document the history of each artifact.
In our gallery you will find a nice selection of our stock. If you find something that is not on the site, let us know. We always have a large stock of items that are not on our site.
Please let us know if you do not see items you want. We may be able to find them for you.
Stand - The stand is not included in the price,
Shipping - We ship worldwide. We try and get shipments out as quickly as possible after payment, usually shipping four times weekly.
Combined shipping - For buyers of multiple items please email us when done shopping for your combined invoice with reduced shipping fees. For urgent deliveries we can arrange courier shipments via DHL (additional charges incurred to be covered by the buyer).
Delivery – Delivery to most destinations is anywhere between 2 to 8 business days inside Europe and 16 to 21 business days to the rest of the world, after receiving our email confirmation that the item has been shipped. Parcels shipped from the Netherlands are sent using the Post NL and the parcel status is traceable online.
Refunds & Returns – We are aiming for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase please return the item to us for a complete refund or exchange. No hassles, no questions asked. Refunds will be issued via PayPal or by Bank only. The shipping costs are not refundable.
Please Contact Us – For any questions, concerns, or clarifications before bidding on or purchasing an item. We are usually able to respond within 24 hours. To avoid spam filters please establish initial contact through the Africa-gallery messaging system.
Thank you for visiting our site!
Kind regards,
Gijs van Kuijk
Translated by Google TranslateCongo: old African Yaka mukhanda turtle mask.
Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, with color pigments and raffia.
Height: 69 cm (wooden mask only).
The most important event in the Yaka ceremonial cycle is the initiation of young boys into adulthood. To mark the end of their education, festivities are held during which the initiates perform wearing newly carved masks. The event also features the most striking masks and the most spectacular dances.
The mukhanda initiation, which includes circumcision, is a crucial part of Yaka life. Circumcision and initiation, mandatory for all young men, take place in a remote location called mukhanda-mu-msitu. The rituals are organized by the main secret societies: ngoni and yiwilla.
These masks are carved for initiation and used only once. The carver (muumbwa) repairs and carves new masks for circumcision ceremonies, in which they are danced in pairs or groups, except for the mask worn by the leader of the tutors, who dances alone. Masked dancers first ask permission and beg for gifts wherever the initiates travel to perform. The ritual expert and his aide, the senior tutor, the sculptor, and the initiates wear different masks. The most common masks (kholuka) are used by initiates and vary greatly.
A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA GALLERY'S SELLING POLICIES.
Our Africa gallery specializes in Ethiopian tribal art. We collect and sell tribal art from all over Africa, especially Ethiopia.
Seller's Story
A SUMMARY OF OUR AFRICA-GALLERY SELLING POLICIES.
Our Africa-gallery specialized in Ethiopian tribal art, collected and sell tribal used art from all over Africa and special from Ethiopia.
Our Gallery have a collection of authentic, original and traditional art from Africa. This collection including masks, statues, pottery, musical instruments, manuscripts, headrests and other antique, primitive art and various unusual items.
I hardly ever buy directly from Africa. All my items that I sell are old and (tribal) used. My objects come from European and American private collections, auction houses, fellow dealers and other collectors from around the world.
This site gives you an impression of our stock and activities. Authentic, museum quality African tribal art at wholesale prices
We strive to provide deeper public appreciation for high quality African art and to make it accessible to all collectors.
High quality masks, carvings, statues, fetishes, animal figures, ritual objects and bronzes displayed here will add beauty to any home and value to any collection.
In addition, an ever-growing demand for rapidly disappearing original African tribal art makes it a sound investment.
As long-time experienced collectors, we carefully select and authenticate every artifact. Shown here are original, high quality, hand-crafted pieces made of wood or bronze which can be yours at a fraction of gallery prices! Years of traditional use added distinction to many of them.
We guarantee the authenticity of every item and your complete satisfaction. We make every effort to research and document the history of each artifact.
In our gallery you will find a nice selection of our stock. If you find something that is not on the site, let us know. We always have a large stock of items that are not on our site.
Please let us know if you do not see items you want. We may be able to find them for you.
Stand - The stand is not included in the price,
Shipping - We ship worldwide. We try and get shipments out as quickly as possible after payment, usually shipping four times weekly.
Combined shipping - For buyers of multiple items please email us when done shopping for your combined invoice with reduced shipping fees. For urgent deliveries we can arrange courier shipments via DHL (additional charges incurred to be covered by the buyer).
Delivery – Delivery to most destinations is anywhere between 2 to 8 business days inside Europe and 16 to 21 business days to the rest of the world, after receiving our email confirmation that the item has been shipped. Parcels shipped from the Netherlands are sent using the Post NL and the parcel status is traceable online.
Refunds & Returns – We are aiming for your complete satisfaction. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase please return the item to us for a complete refund or exchange. No hassles, no questions asked. Refunds will be issued via PayPal or by Bank only. The shipping costs are not refundable.
Please Contact Us – For any questions, concerns, or clarifications before bidding on or purchasing an item. We are usually able to respond within 24 hours. To avoid spam filters please establish initial contact through the Africa-gallery messaging system.
Thank you for visiting our site!
Kind regards,
Gijs van Kuijk
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Period
Late 20th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
African mukhanda Yaka turtle mask - Congo.
Height
69 cm
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Sold by
