Democratic Republic of the Congo - Yaka Initiation Mask - 2
	Yaka initiations of young males include circumcision and instruction in adult responsibilities and sexual behavior. Initiates returning to their villages are allowed a period of license when they perform with these types of masks, singing outrageous obscene songs. The masks are made during seclusion in the secret "bush schools" where only the initiates and their teachers stay. The masks are complex constructions of painted wood, fiber and woven raffia cloth. These masks are still made and used in Yaka initiations.
	height -31" to bottom of rafia	MH-05 $485