Mangbetu men clearing the fields, Mongomasi village, 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]. During his trip to Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited the Mangbetu people living near Isiro. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.