Initiation rituals among Ndaka people, near Epulu, Ituri Forest, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"In order to become full adult members of the tribe, all young Ndaka men had to be initiated. The Nkumbi (initiation) was taking 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 some of which the masked ritualists acted out prescribed roles dressed in full costume." [Felix M., 1992: Ituri, Verlag Fred Jahn]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.