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 Minganji masks, other than the Gitenga mask, embody death, uncertainty, and darkness." [Petridis C., 1993: Pende Masks styles. Face of the Spirits]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from early March 1951 to July 1951, accompanied by his wife, Joan B. Elisofon.