The Bayaka are a group of warriors and hunters living in the south of western Congo and carving masks for initiatory rituals (‘n-khanda’ or ‘mukanda’).
The characteristic feature of the mask shown, suggesting its possible belonging to the Bayaka culture, is the helmet coloured in shades of red, white and blue, common among the initiatory masks of the Bayaka, known as ndeemba. However, the crest and the anthropomorphic face with hollow eyes are not typical elements of the ndeemba, which are instead more covered in raffia, under which is a wooden handle. It is likely that this piece was influenced by neighbouring groups, such as the Chokwe, and represents a hybridisation of different traditions.

Cfr.: -Bargna G., -Bargna M., Arte africana. Collezione Giorgio Bargna, 1987, p. 187