SKU: 80110104673

Yela/ Kela Ancestor Mongo Mask, Congo #654

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Description

Yela/ Kela Ancestor Mongo Mask, Congo #654Yela Ancestor Mongo Mask, Congo #654 A very rare mask of the Yela People of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It represents the Ancestor Mongo. A Myth of the Origins of the Yela People recounts them as Descendants of the Great Ancestor Mongo (similar to the Tetela People with Ancestor Efomy). Another great example of Yela Art is the famous statuette belonging to Willy Mestach (described as "extremely rare statuette from the Kela Yela, a Mongo Group").

  • Yela Ancestor Mongo Mask, Congo #654
  • A very rare mask of the Yela People of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • It represents the Ancestor Mongo.
  • A Myth of the Origins of the Yela People recounts them as Descendants of the Great Ancestor Mongo (similar to the Tetela People with Ancestor Efomy). 
  • Another great example of Yela Art is the famous statuette belonging to Willy Mestach (described as "extremely rare statuette from the Kela/ Yela, a Mongo Group").
  • The Yela are neighbors of the Mbole and have a similar Lilwa Secret Society.
  • The mask is covered with a natural clay patina in the red, brown and white within striated grooves. Yela Ceremonial Objects have a strong geometric structure, recognizable by their long vertical three-tone color bands. We see a superb, well worn striated mask with obvious Ritual Use reduced to it's simplest expression.
  • Material: wood, pigment, kaolin and other clay pigments. The polychromy has been very well preserved.
  • This type of mask is sometimes presented as "Kela", as "Kela - Yela" or as "Mongo - Kela" (as the superb mask in the collection Reynold C. Kerr).
  • As Daniel Biebuyck said in "African Arts" in 1976, this forest area of Eastern Congo is very complex to analyze culturally, with many Ethnic Groups cohabiting and interacting in one way or another. The Yela are located near the Tshuapa River, in the area of Ikela, in the South from the Mbole People, with whom the Yela are geographically and culturally closely related. As for the Yela that some describe as a sub-tribe of Bambole, speaking a Bantu language called "Kela Yela".
  • Measurements: 30×17×12 cm
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Custom base is included
  • Provenance: Belgian Estate Collection.  This mask was used during Initiation Ceremonies but unfortunately no data was collected with the mask in the 1970's when it was collected.
  • An excerpt from The Starr Expedition Field Notes:
  • September 25, 1906 Notebook: 11 Page: 666
    "Mr. Smith spoke of the Likwele (Lilwa) Secret Society of the Lokele (Yela/ Kela) People. The last Initiation Rite took place about two years ago at Yakusu. When a group of boys at one place had finished-or begun the Rite, the news carried down the River. A dozen or twenty boys ready for the Ceremony withdraw to the Bush. They are dressed in all sorts of ornaments, dress, &c. They remain six months during which time they are abundantly supplied with food from the town. They learn the new language and are in seclusion. No one intrudes upon them except under penalty. It was at first assumed that the Rites were related to Circumcision. While not then Circumcised, the Rite is undergone by Lokele boys, but usually at an earlier age-in infancy really. In this connection Mr. Smith spoke of the little houses with male & female figures we noticed at Mirambo. They are for boys who are being Circumcised and the figures have relation to this Rite.
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SKU: 80110104673

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Denisse Villar
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great fit and makes potty training easier
Size: 3T-4T, Unit Count: 84
These training pants have been a big help during potty training. They fit comfortably and feel soft against the skin, more like real underwear than a diaper. The stretchy sides make them easy for little ones to pull up and down on their own, which really helps with independence. They do a good job holding small accidents without leaking, and the fun character designs make my little one more excited to wear them. The pack comes with plenty to last through the training phase, which is nice when you’re going through a few each day. Tip: keep a few extras in the car or diaper bag for outings. It makes potty training on the go so much easier.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2025
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Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Pull-ups that Don't Leak!
Size: 3T-4T, Unit Count: 20
I was on the hunt for the perfect potty training pants for my little guy, and Pull-Ups Boys' Potty Training Pants in size 3T-4T turned out to be a great find. We’ve tried a few different brands, but these have been the most reliable. The design is fun and colorful, which my son loves, and it makes him excited to wear them. The fit is spot on for his size (32-40 lbs), and he moves around comfortably without any leaks. The absorbency is impressive – it gives me peace of mind knowing accidents won’t mean a complete outfit change. Overall, these Pull-Ups have made the potty training process a lot smoother for both of us. There are a few things to note, though. The price is a bit higher compared to some other brands, but I believe the quality justifies it. Also, while they are great during the day, we still need a bit more protection at night. I find myself using an extra layer for nighttime just to be safe. The packaging could also be improved – a resealable option would be nice to keep the remaining training pants fresh and organized. Despite these minor issues, I’m really happy with the product, and my son is well on his way to being fully potty trained. Pros: - Fun and colorful design that my son loves - Perfect fit for 32-40 lbs, allowing comfortable movement - Excellent absorbency, minimizing leaks - Helps make the potty training process smoother Cons: - Slightly higher price compared to other brands - Not as effective for overnight use, requiring additional protection - Packaging lacks a resealable option for convenience
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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
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Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Leak proof training pants
Size: 3T-4T, Unit Count: 112
These training pants are amazing. My son uses them whenever he’s taking a nap or sleeping throughout the night. I’ve ordered these multiple times and we’ve never had an issue with leaking.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
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Paige
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for potty training
Size: 3T-4T, Unit Count: 20
We really like these pull ups and they have worked well for us during potty training. They are easy to pull on and off, which is great for toddlers who are learning to be more independent. They fit well and do a good job containing messes without leaking. I also like that they feel comfortable and not too bulky, so my child can move around easily. Overall, these have been a reliable option for us and something we continue to use during this stage.
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ape
Bozeman, US
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Preferred by daycare teachers!
Size: 4T-5T, Unit Count: 99
Preferred by daycares because they open and close on the sides and kids can learn to pull on and take on on their own
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Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2026

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