Judge E. Gorlia's third journey in the Belgian Congo from December 1917 to April 1920.
Ceremonial axes are important symbols of Luba kingship. Possession of previously delegated symbols as royal canes, axes or bracelets, was important for any client chief or lineage wishing to be recognized by the Luba royal court. Such prestige items could be worn over the shoulder or carried in ceremonies that recalled the mythical origin of Luba kingship traced to the cultural hero Kalala Llunga, who is also believed to have introduced metalworking technology and hunting techniques.
General:
Title source: Archives staff; title not provided by photographer.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection digitized and available online. 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.