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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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★★★★★ 4
Small rolls, but not to scratchy
Size: 24 Double Rolls (2 Ply)
We've been trying different bamboo t.p. brands. This one is not bad, but the rolls are quit small, so while this package has 24 rolls, they don't last long. The paper itself is pretty good. Not quite as soft as we'd like, but not the sandpaper of some others we tried.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Lasts longer than average roll
Size: 24 Double Rolls (2 Ply)
Ok. I have to admit. This toilet paper checks out all the boxes. Its very soft. It really DOES last longer and it's toxins free. Great stuff.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Safe and reliable TP for the family
Size: 24 Double Rolls (2 Ply)
This brand is the best and softest bamboo TP I have purchased. This is a staple in my house, its durable and longer lasting than other brands I have tried. Cost of this is cheaper than most others as well, bonus. Highly absorbent. Package size it suitable for the price. Also good for septic systems
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
★★★★★ 3
Not my favorite
Size: 24 Double Rolls (2 Ply)
I've tried quite a few bamboo toilet paper brands, and this isn't a favorite. Even at 2-ply it's thin. It has a good texture while being soft, and lint free as advertised, but I find we use more of this brand due to it being thinner. It has a lower price point than some of the premium brands, but a classic case of "you get what you pay for" and since we use more it doesn't really save any money anyway. Also it says plastic free, but comes in plastic packaging - it's not clear if it is eco-plastic/ biodegradable or not. It's not a bad product, and everyone likes something different and has their own priorities, but personally I won't reorder.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Good quality and absorbancy
Size: 24 Double Rolls (2 Ply)
Was a little leery about bamboo toilet paper but I was tired of the how, even the 3 ply expensive toilet papers I've been buying, were not very absorbent. I must say I am pleasantly surprised. The sheets are smaller but they don't fall apart like the others and I think they are very absorbent even tho, at first, you don't think they will be. Will definitely buy this brand again.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026