The photograph depicts Kafinga Philonique, wife of a Nsapo chief. During his trip to Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Elisofon visited Nsapo villages in the Songye people region. The present day Songye people inhabit a vast area of the Congo concentrated in the province of Eastern and stretching into parts of Katanga and Kiori. The largest subgroups include the Kalebwe, Eastern Songe, Songye, nde, Bala, Cibenji, Lembwe, Songa, Cofew and the Budia. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Life magazine and traveled to Africa from January 8, 1947 to end of June 1947.
Local Numbers:
Negative number 22923, R-10, 1.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
Typed index card reads, "A 3 Sng. Songe. Zaire, Zapo-Zapo. Chief's wife, Kafinga Philonique. 1/1947. EE. neg.no. 22923, R-10,1." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.
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.
