Bayaka Initiation Mask

Much importance is placed on the training and initiation of Bayaka boys for adulthood. Young boys of puberty age are trained in the n-khanda or bush school located in an isolated area away from the village. There the initiates are instructed in the traditions of the tribe, are ruled with an iron discipline, systematically hazed to test their endurance and trained in a profession. As long as a year may be required to complete their training which culminates with a n-khanda ceremony when they return to the village. The celebration held at this time is a great event in the lives of all villagers. Each initiate wears a mask and participates in the ceremonial dance. There are varying styles of masks but a few features are standard: the face is painted white to resemble the face of the dead and symbolizes the boy's "death" as a child and his rebirth as an adult, a full member of society. Each mask is crowned with a decorative arrangement: figures, animal heads or mythological scenes.