Spiritual leader dressed in leopard skin in the Church of Black People in Mbandaka, Equateur province, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

leopard skin church black people mbandaka equateur province africa ritual culture tradition faith community worship sacred identity heritage congregation attire symbolism leadership spirituality local customs african culture religious practice vibrant history significance expressive ceremonial gathering unity environment art craftsmanship beliefs folklore region rituals representation religious leader respect authority engagement traditional setting portrait worship space spiritual practice local community indigenous modernity