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Spearman and battle axeman, Belgian Congo, Central Africa
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Spearman and battle axeman, Belgian Congo, Central Africa
Spearman and battle axeman in magic warpaint, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), Central Africa. Date: 1922
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Media ID 23080624
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Body Feather Feathers Headdress Necklace Paint Shield Skin Spear Today 1922 Racial Spearman
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in the Belgian Congo in Central Africa during the 1920s, depicts two men engaged in a traditional ritual before the commencement of a battle. The spearman, dressed in a loincloth and adorned with intricate feather headdresses, holds a large spear in his right hand, ready for combat. His body is painted with geometric designs and his face is smeared with a reddish pigment, believed to have magical properties. The battle axeman, also dressed in a loincloth and wearing a necklace made of animal teeth, wields a large battle axe in his left hand and a shield in his right. His body is similarly painted with geometric designs and his face is adorned with feathers and pigment. This image offers a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the people of Central Africa during the early 20th century. The use of body paint and feathers was believed to grant the warriors supernatural powers and protect them from harm during battle. The men's intense focus and readiness for combat convey the seriousness and importance of the ritual. This photograph, taken in 1922, provides a valuable record of a time and place that is now largely lost to history. It serves as a reminder of the diverse and complex cultural practices that existed in Africa before the continent was colonized and the ways in which these practices continue to influence contemporary African cultures. The men in this photograph are not just historical figures, but rather, they represent the resilience and strength of the human spirit, the power of tradition, and the enduring connection between people and their land.
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