The ethnographic field photographs of Auguste Bal

Theme: headdress, body modifications, clothing/ornament, object, local authority, portrait
Photographer: Auguste M. Bal
Place of production: Democratic Republic of the Congo > Equateur
Culture: Ngombe
Legend: Company of Ngombe-Likungu dignitaries and village chiefs with characteristic insignias, including a necklace with leopard teeth, and a leather headdress to which an animal tail was generally attached. Some men are holding a fly whisk, others a wrought iron staff with a portion of magic substances at the top wrapped around with rope.
Acquisition related person: Auguste M. Bal as donor
Original legend: Assemblée de notables. A remarquer : les costumes coutumiers ainsi que les batons de notable. Baton en fer forgé et tordu long de 1.5 à 1.80m portant à son extrémité supérieure une corde tresée renfermant des substances à puissance magique. Voyez les stries rosées sur les bras des kumus = salive sèchée contenant du kola mâché.
Inventory number: EP.0.0.4224