Mrs. Joan Elisofon walking the main avenue of the royal capital, Mushenge, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"Kuba houses have been described as basketry upon poles because the walls were constructed of highly decorated woven mats. Houses were rectangular in shape with saddle roofs and courtyards. The capital city was mobile and corvee labor was required for its construction and maintenance. The lightweight houses were moved from one location to another as the new king established his residence." [Toyin Falola, 2000: Africa. African Cultures and Societies before 1885. Carolina Academic Press]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from early March 1951 to July 1951, accompanied by his wife, Joan B. Elisofon.