Southwestern DRC, with Angola border to their west

Yaka

Wood, fiber rope
Mid 20th century
Length: 18.5 in, Width: 4 in, Depth: 4.75 in
Idiophone – Struck Directly  – Slit Drum

A mid 20^th century Yaka one-piece hand carved ‘Diviner’s’ slit drum depicting a Janus head, that when struck is said to serve as the mouth of the oracle’s voice.  Among the Yaka People this symbolic instrument is called a “Nkoko Ngombo.”

The Yaka surrounded themselves with charms and objects with carved cephalomorphic figures, such as this Yaka slit drum called ‘mukoku ngombu,’ or ‘nkoku ngombu,’ intended for divination and healing rituals.  The heads represented the mediating soothsayer wearing a high cap, with coffee bean eyes deeply surrounded.  Around the neck is a plant fiber rope that attaches to the stick.  This slit drum has a beautiful patina of luster and was satinized by the Yaka for the new moon.  During this time the soothsayer ‘ngaanga ngoombu’ covers his face with kaolin before emitting an oracle.  At nighttime he would convey the virtues of life.  The ‘nkoku nogombu’ is the miniature version of the large slit drums ‘mondo’ and accompanies ritual songs.  Sources say a possible reason for the double face motive is to protect the soothsayer ‘ngaanga ngoombu’ from negative occult influences that will jeopardized the outcome.

Resource: ‘Yaka: Visions of Africa Series by Arthur P. Bourgeois