Initiation rituals among Yaka people, near Kasongo Lunda, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"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." [Grootaers J.-L., Eisenburger I., 2002 : Forms of Wonderment. Vol. 2. Africa Museum, Berg en Dal]. During his trip to the Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited the Yaka people inhabiting Popokabaka, Kenge, and Kasongo Lunda sectors of Bandundu Province of southwestern Congo and Uige Province of northern Angola. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from early March 1951 to July 1951, accompanied by his wife, Joan B. Elisofon.