This expressive, flat mask with a ghostly appearance and the sharp teeth characteristic of Ndaka initiation masks, is still surrounded by raffia. It is decorated with two-tone painting in large triangular shapes, enlivened by double rows of small dot-shaped marks.

This rare initiation mask comes from the forested regions of the Ituri in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A number of ethnic groups—mostly farmers—live in the clearings of the forest. The Ndaka people—a Bantu ethnic group—are one of these groups. Their main means of sustenance are agriculture, hunting and fishing.

As Marc Felix wrote, "In order to become full adult members of the tribe, all young Ndaka men had to be initiated. The Nkumbi (initiation) took place only about every six years. At a sign given with his sacred broom by the Ishumi ritualist (master of ceremonies), a general dance soon started to the music of drums, trumpets, rattles, olifants, and, especially, the makata sticks that were played only during initiations. Traditional songs and dances were performed, during which some of the masked ritualists acted out prescribed roles dressed in full costume.”