Dancers performing the Minganji face mask Gitenga, 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]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from early March 1951 to July 1951, accompanied by his wife, Joan B. Elisofon.