Yaka Figure Standing on Custom Base Congo Rohner Collection

This Yaka figure from the Democratic Republic of the Congo reflects the artistic traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Yaka people. Standing approximately 20 inches tall, the figure features carefully carved details that emphasize the human form and may incorporate symbolic elements associated with Yaka cultural practices. Figures such as this are connected to the spiritual traditions of the region and may have served roles in ritual practices, divination, or communication with the spirit world. Through their distinctive forms and symbolic details, Yaka sculptures reflect the rich artistic heritage and ancestral traditions of the Congo. This example is presented on a custom base and is part of the Rohner Collection.

Provenance: John R. Rohner Collection
Rohner, a museum curator for decades, aimed his practiced eye for authenticity to African art beginning in the early 1980s. His passion for this art only grew through the decades he built his collection––always with an aim for a broad and representative array of pieces. The collection appears in his book, Art Treasures from African Runners (2000, University Press of Colorado). 

Damage and repair: Surface wear and scuffs are present. See photos for greater detail.

Item #562 on pg. 217

Height: 22.25
Width: 5.0
Depth: 5.0

157403