The Yaka, a tribe in the southwestern corner of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo, have for over a century produced figurative statuettes,
masks, and other objects that have fascinated Western scholars,
collectors, and explorers. This impressive book brings together some of
the earliest examples, as well as some of the most visually striking,
and explores their uses in installation and initiation ceremonies and
curative rituals, examining their relationship to leadership,
divination, and sorcery. Colonial influences as well as "anti-fetish"
religious movements are studied for their impact on Yaka traditional
art. The book includes 21 black-and-white illustrations and drawings
accompanying the text, 62 color plates with commentary, and an annotated
bibliography.