Minganji masqueraders, near Gungu, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"Although the Minganji face masks make an appearance at a wide variety of occasions (such as the investiture ritual of a local chief, or the construction of a new chief's residence), their primary role is as guardian of the initiation encampement. The Gitenga mask is described as the grandfather or the chief of the Miganji. It serves as a representation of the sun, a symbol of life and regeneration. The Gitenga mask thus stands in diametrical opposition to the other Minganji characters, which embody death, uncertainty, and darkness." [Petridis C., 1993: Pende Masks styles. Face of the Spirits]. During his trip to Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited Gungu and its surroundings in Pende people's region. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.