The Bayaka people, from the Bandundu region of Congo province, carve various masks to celebrate the transition to adult life in the initiatory society called Makunda/N’khanda. During initiation, adolescent boys are separated from the village and subjected to tests, including circumcision, to measure their courage. These trials culminate in the boys’ symbolic death as children and rebirth as men.

The Ndeemba mask is distinguished by its elaborate structure of pointed braids made of branches covered in painted fabric, symbolising generative power. The polychromy of the mask has symbolic meanings: dark blue is associated with the spirit realm, guilt and the ritual death of the youth; white symbolises innocence, honesty and the ceremonial sphere; red represents blood and power.