Mangbetu court music, Medje village, Congo (Democratic Republic)

The photograph depicts Chief Mogendo's court musicians and dancers. "The man's dance costume consisted of a large piece of barkcloth with alternating natural-colored and black strips. The belt around the waist was of animal skin with attached charms and hanging animal pelts. Hats and fly whisks (nomwe) resembled those used by the women. They wore a straw hat, dyed black or of natural color, decorated with feathers of owls, guinea fowl, parrot, chicken, or other birds. (Eagle feathers, formerly reserved for chiefs, are worn on dancers' hats today). The dancers -both men and women- may form a circle or line up in opposed ranks, in parallel ranks, or in combination of formations. One of the most famous court dances is the mabolo dance, in which the king dances in front of his subjects, as well as a choreographed mocked battle, when the chief wants to demonstrate his power." [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 Medje village, southwest of Isiro. 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.