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Four Mangbettu people, Belgian Congo, Central Africa
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Four Mangbettu people, Belgian Congo, Central Africa
Four people of the Mangbettus (Mangbetu) tribe, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), Central Africa. Showing decorative body scars, ivory hairpins, a nose plug, tooth earrings and a long ivory lip pin. Date: 1922
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Media ID 23080772
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Belgian Chief Chieftain Congo Democratic Headdress Necklace Skin Today 1922 Racial
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This photograph, taken in 1922, showcases the distinctive and intriguing appearance of four Mangbettu people from the Belgian Congo in Central Africa during the 1920s. The Mangbettus, also known as the Mangbetu or M'Bete people, are an ethnic group renowned for their unique cultural practices, particularly their body adornments. The image features two women and two men, all proudly displaying their traditional attire and body modifications. The women wear elaborate headdresses made of feathers, beads, and other natural materials, while their necks are adorned with long, intricately designed necklaces. Their bodies are adorned with decorative body scars, which were believed to signify their social status and identity within the tribe. The men in the photograph wear minimal clothing, with their bodies also bearing decorative scars. One man wears a nose plug, while another sports tooth earrings and a long ivory lip pin. These body modifications were also significant markers of status and identity within the Mangbettu community. The Mangbettu people have a rich and complex history, with their kingdom having been established in the late 18th century. They were known for their sophisticated art, music, and literature, making them one of the most culturally advanced tribes in Central Africa during that time. Despite the passage of time and the many changes that have occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since this photograph was taken, the Mangbettu people continue to preserve their unique cultural heritage. Their story serves as a reminder of the rich diversity and complexity of African cultures, which have contributed significantly to the world's artistic and cultural landscape.
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