Mfumu ya ntoto (literally "The Chief of the Earth") is the traditional chief who is held in great esteem by the people in the area. He is a principal source of wisdom as well as arbiter in all manner of civil disputes and is the symbolic holder and protector of all ancestral lands which belong to the clans to whom he is responsible. Here he is displaying various symbols of his office.
Women typically form very tight social circles and share many of their labors such as child-rearing and agriculture.
Men enjoy socializing in temporary huts which are built in the forest as places to take refuge when hunting in rainy weather.
Elders are typically shown a great amount of respect. This man and woman are chieves of their clan. As a symbol of their honor and status, they and have smeared their bodies with a red powder made from a special finely ground red wood. They are displaying a fly whisk, cane and drinking cup - also symbols of their station. It is difficult to see in this photo, but the woman's chest and belly are covered with a floral pattern of scarification tatoos. This form of beautification marking was once common, but now the practice is banned.
Children are the same everywhere in the world; happy, playful and filled with energy. The Congo is no exception, but one of the most remarkable things about these kids is their innovation at making games and toys from whatever they can find. These kids have made hats from leaves.
Model cars and trucks are common toys that boys make. They carve the parts out of the midrib of palm fronds with amazing accuracy. Frequently these cars have steering wheels which can even turn the front axle!
These boys have made toy radios out of fleshy plant stems.
In this area of the Congo, christian missionaries have been particularly active and catholicism is prevalent. This choir is singing the processional hymn as they walk into a local church.
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