Mangbetu women cultivating the fields, near Isiro, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"Among the Mangbetu, plantains replaced eleusine as a staple. In any newly cleared field, rapid growth plants such as maize and peanuts are planted in the first year among more slowly maturing plants such as plantain and manioc. In the second year the plantain and manioc generally occupy the field alone. Men do the heaviest work of clearing fields and planting the tubers, and women cultivate the fields and harvest the crops. Agricultural work was performed with simple tools, including a large assortment of iron tools and baskets." [Schildkrout E., Keim C., 1990: African Reflections, University of Washington Press]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17,1970.