Mangbetu chief Teingu wearing dance costume, Mongomasi village, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"The man's dance costume consisted of a large piece of barkcloth with alternating natural-colored and black strips. The belt securing the barkcloth around the waist was of animal skin -leopard for chief- with attached charms and hanging animal pelts. Fly whisks (nomwe) resembled those used by the women. Some hats, decorated in front with the red tail feathers of grey parrots, were formely reserved for chiefs." [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 in Mongomasi village, Isiro region. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.