Kota (Akota, Bakota, Kuta), Gabon and Republic of Congo

Emboli ceremonial mask. The Kota peoples live in the Upper Ogowe River. The Kota are actually a number of groups of peoples with common tribal traditions. Although they share many cultural traits, the groups are by no means homogeneous. They live in villages comprising two or more clans. Clans in turn comprise several lineages or family groups that trace their descent from a common lineage ancestor. Their main resources come mostly from hunting and agriculture. In Kota villages the mask is worn during dances in celebration of the initiation of adolescent boys; the high point of the ritual is circumcision. During the “pedagogical” part of the ritual the elders demonstrate to the young men that the masks are not monsters but human beings like themselves. The mask is also worn during anti-sorcery séances or for psychotherapeutic purposes.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 16”, W. 8”, D. 7”

Price:  $220 + $33 (S&H)         [#T9K9M432]