The Banda people of the Central African Republic use music in a myriad of social, religious, and life-cycle events. The use of wooden (and antelope horn) trumpets, known as ongos, is closely linked to traditional cult rituals and adolescent initiation rites. The ongo ensemble produces an elaborate polyphony (several parts combined simultaneously) of sound created by a closely knit series of notes played independently by each musician at a specific time. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life magazine and traveled to Africa from August 18, 1959 to December 20, 1959.
Local Numbers:
F 3 DKP 1.1 EE 59
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
57938 1 00
Frame value is 4.
Slide No. F 3 DKP 1.1 EE 59
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
