Original accompanying Léon de Sousberghe caption reads, " Village Kinganga. Case cheffale." Translated original accompanying caption reads, " Village of Kinganga. Chief's ritual house."
For the Eastern Pende, a great chief must have a small court in front, formed by a serried row of stakes and tree slips. A short fence of four of fivestakes extends from that wall on each side of the house; the architectural plan thus constructs a narrow oblique path as the only route of access. The form of the palisade (tsungu) shaping the small front court is of great importance. Warnings abound for outsiders to keep their distance. Some of the stakes in the palisade express the theme of danger and forbidden entry through the metaphoric use of masks from the men's fraternity.
Local Numbers:
LS 030
General:
Title source: Archives staff.
Note source: Archives staff.
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