Open public space (mulungu) of a village, near Shabunda, Congo (Democratic Republic)

"The Lega village (kyumo) is traditionally built on a hill in a more or less natural clearing 'kilungulabo' of primary rain forest. It consists of two parallel rows (mikeke) of contiguous huts, a plan that creates an impression of longhouses. The open space (mulungu) between the two rows of houses serves as main street, a dance floor, and a public place. By the 1950's practically all compartmentalized longhouses had disappeared in Legaland, the direct result of colonial preference for the small, compartmentalized, rectangular wattle-and-daub house with a saddle roof. As early as Delhaise's time, though many traditional villages and structures were still in existence, the colonial administration was imposing regulations for more 'hygienic' houses." [Biebuyck D., 1973: Lega Culture. University of California Press]. During his trip to Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited the Lega people at Shabunda and its surroundings in the Maniema district. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Broadcasting Company and traveled to Africa from early December 1966 to early February 1967.