Description

Makunda (also called n-khanda, m-khanda, longwa or nzo longo) is the initiation society used to transition male children into manhood. Yaka boys considered ready for initiation (called tundansi) are taken to a bush camp outside of the main village, circumcised, hazed, given new names, taught what it takes to become a man (hunting, sex) and also taught specific performances and dances associated with society and the community. During the circumcision dance performances (kinkanda), the initiates wear special masks while their teachers alone are permitted to wear the ritual masks of the makunda ceremonies:

• Kambaandzya
• Tsekedi
• Myondo
• Ndeemba
• Kholuka (Mbala)

Yaka masks are also worn during public festivities, including a great village feast, to welcome the initiates back to the community. Masqueraders perform for the community and receive gifts from bystanders. Lower-ranked masks are known as tsekedi (also spelt tsekedye), myondo and ndeemba in the north. They perform in pairs after the appearance of kambaandzya.

The most common Yaka mask is the ndeemba. These masks are made by the newly circumcised tundasi to wear during there dances. These events indicate the end of the ritual and mark the young men’s return to daily village life.

Aside from a way to mark the new initiates’ return to the village, the Yaka people also use these festivities as a form of entertainment and fundraising. Following the end of the 'coming-out' ceremony the initiates, together with their masks, tour neighbouring villages. Afterwards, the masks are then discarded or burned.