Lulua woman burnishing pottery before firing, Bakwa Balaie village, near Kananga, Congo (Democratic Republic)

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Object Details

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Congo (Democratic Republic) / EECL / Bakwa Balaie Village, Congo (Democratic Republic)

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

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.

Scope and Contents: "Before the clay body is dried and then fired, surface decoration is frequently added by incising, combing, stamping or by impressing lines, cross-hatching, dots and other patterns. Lines and string patterns may be arranged in triangular, zig-zag or chevron patterns. Surface decoration is often functional as well as aesthetic. Smoothing and burnishing the surface of pots before firing also improves their appearance and has a similar strengthening effect." [Darish P., 1990: Fired Brilliance: Ceramic Vessels from Zaire. University of Missouri-Kansas City Gallery of Art]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.