Kwilu Pende chief wearing bicorn headdress, Gungu, Congo (Democratic Republic)

Object Details

Local Numbers: EENG-I-38a, 26.
General: Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note: Typed index card reads, "C 3 Pnd. Pende. Zaire, Gungu. Chief. 4/1970. EE. neg.no. I-38A, 26." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.

Topic: Portraits; Leaders; Headdresses -- headgear -- Africa; Beadwork; Weapons

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Congo (Democratic Republic) / EENG / 1970

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Type: Archival materials; Negatives (photographic); Black-and-white negatives; Negatives

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: "The headdress shape conforms to Pende stylistic conventions: the bicorn headdress is said to allude to the strength and power of the buffalo in a reference to the associated powers of chieftancy. Among the Pende these headdresses are called ' Misango Mapende'." [Christine Mullen Kreamer, 1995: Spectacular Hats for Special Occasions. Crowning Achievements, UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History]. During his trip to Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited Gungu and its surroundings in Kwilu Pende people's region. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.