Mask
20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood, cloth, raffia, paint
DimensionsOverall: 55 x 42 x 40 cm (21 5/8 x 16 9/16 x 15 3/4 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2595
On View
Not on viewClassificationsMasks
Collections
The Nkanda initiation ceremony celebrates the circumcision of Yaka youth. Masks such as this one are used to protect the boys during their transition into adulthood. The masks are also used to ensure the future fertility of the newly initiated. The Nkanda initiation ritual is noted for its sexually charged imagery and songs that relate to masculine power and dominance.
Provenance1977, acquired in Paris by Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
