Photographs of the expedition of Armand Hutereau
Theme:
headdress, body modifications, clothing/ornament, colonial administration, local authority, portrait
Photographer:
Armand Joseph Oscar Hutereau (°1875 - †1914)
Place of production:
Democratic Republic of the Congo > Province Orientale > Aruwimi & Uele > Uele
Legend:
After the conquering of the colonial territory, local chiefs were incorporated in colonial rule. African rulers of 'chefferies' who accepted the authority of the Congo Free State, were given a medal as a sign of recognition. Later on, this recognition turned out not to be a gift, as the decorated chiefs were held responsible for providing porters, labourers and food to white people. However, colonialism wasn’t one-way traffic during this period. Figureheads were often appointed in the 'chefferies' to protect the real chief.
Original legend:
Le chef Avuru Gura Bavungura.
Inventory number:
AP.0.0.11486