Bayaka circonsition mask

Hello again,
my second post of the day;
what would you value this criconsition mask of the yaka tribe?
cheers
|<ris

 

Hi Kris:
This site is more about open discussion and research of an item , than it is about determining value.
That said I'm not sure there are enough African art specialists here to even venture an opinion.

 

Ok, thanks for your reply!
Feel free to erase my post if needed!
cheers
|<ris

 

Oh....& that's circumcision....

 

maybe these guys could help you......
http://www.hamillgallery.com/YAKA/YakaMasks/YakaMasksArchives.html

 

Yes! Sorry, English isn't my mother tongue and switching from one language to the other, you might find me making errors like that...

 

Thanks for the link!
I indeed past that site during my search, but I prefere fora opinions to dealers.
;-)
cheers
|<ris

 

Sorry I couldn't be of more help !

 

Hey, that is no problem at all! Glad we met!
;-)
|<

 

I'm mask-ignorant but I've looked at a lot of stuff, real and fake, and I don't get any "reproduction" feeling about this item. I like the intricate faded paint, the complexity of the structure, patina of the rear surface, and particularly the wear pattern on the handle. The fakers would never choose this type of mask to reproduce. Since it is so unusual I would guess the value would have to be at least well into the 4-figures of $usd, but I am also ignorant regarding the "market" for these.

 

hey springfld.arsenal thanks for your comment!
Guts feeling is what one needs in this hobby, and I must say yours is good.
It is indeed a good mask, and one that is generaly burned, just like the campement they used for that ritual. So quiet seldom.
It was handed down to me just recently by my father who brought it home in the early seventies, I do remember it as it was yesterday.
A evaluation was made according to my father many years ago, and it all ready hit a five (...just!)figures amount that time.
cheers
|<ris

 

Wow. It's early.... Glad I read that title twice.

 

OMG!!!! That IS what I first thought! (as he types with legs crossed...)

 

Spring....in African art it's not so much a question of real or fake , but more ...used or not used !
& whether it was made in the 70's ....or the 20's !

It's the largest single art market on the planet , and the amount of items out there is staggering.
Items made for the tourist market far outweigh any fakes, & I've learned that only the stuff with provenance takes down the big bucks......while all the rest is suspect.

Sure there are exceptions.....but few and far between.

 

I think it's a beautiful thing. It would be a real eye-opener hanging on someone's wall. How big is it?

 

Ok, one odd thing I did learn about this field on my last trip to Africa was what is done following the procedure associated with this type of mask to ensure it was done correctly. Without going into any detail, it has an unusual name I'm trying to recall. Anyone?

 

Duck walk?

 

No but thanks it rang a bell, it is called

Circumspection



C'mon now kwit wastin' da peeples' time wid yer stooped jokes, day got 'portant stuff ta do!

 

Circa 1951.........

Yaka masks make their appearance only during the lengthy initiation ceremonies that are performed for boys. The initiation (n'khanda) prepares them for social adulthood and is designed to safeguard the continuity of human fertility. The young men return to the village at the end of the initiation period and perform masked dances. They are accompanied by the men who have supervised them during that period, who are also wearing masks. It is thought that the smaller masks worn by the new initiates are made by the young men themselves, whereas the masks worn by the leaders are made by professional sculptors. Yaka masks are notable for their polychromy. They recapitulate all the constituent features that make up the universe, i.e. heavenly bodies, plants, animals, humans and spirits.


BROOKLYN MUSEUM

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Ndeemba Mask for N-khanda Initiation

Several types of masks are used in dances celebrating the emergence of young initiates from the Yaka circumcision camp, where boys are ritually received into Yaka manhood. Initiates hold n-khanda masks like this one to celebrate their new status as men.

• Culture: Yaka
• Medium: Wood, fiber, pigment
• Geographical Locations:
  • Possible place made: Kwilu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Possible place made: Kwango, Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dates: early 20th century
• Dimensions: 20 x 14 3/4 x 14 1/2 in. (50.8 x 37.5 x 36.8 cm) Arts of Africa
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Storage Annex, East Gallery, 1st Floor

THAT WOULD EXPLAIN THE HANDLE ON THE OP'S MASK.......but not if it's an older used mask.......which I doubt !
( but can't prove...)

 

Thanks for your help!

Quote; ....How big is it? end quote.

Quiet big! I tried to put it in a display case I use for military mannequins, and it wouldn't fit!....