Large carrying baskets containing coffee beans, near Lake Kivu, Congo (Democratic Republic)

Object Details

Local Numbers: EENG-I-8, 33.
General: Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note: Typed index card reads, "M 3 Zai. Zaire. Lake Kivu area. Coffee Arabica in baskets, trees in background. 4/1970. EE. neg.no. I-8, 33." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.

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: "In the 1980s, coffee was Zaire's largest agricultural export. Two major varieties are grown in Zaire: the hearthy robusta that is grown in the Ubangi, Uele, Kivu, Kasai, and Bas-Zaire areas; and the lighter Arabica, which constitutes one-fifth of the total crop, that grows in the higher altitudes of eastern Kivu and Ituri." [F. Scott Bobb, 1999: Historical Dictionary of Democratic Republic of Congo, The Scarecrow Press, Inc.]. The photograph depicts coffee beans in large carrying baskets with straps to be placed over the shoulder or used as a tumpline over the forehead. During his trip to Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited Goma and its surrounding, in Eastern Congo near Lake Kivu. 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.