'N'Zakaras anthropophages; L'Ouest Africain, 1914. Creator: Unknown

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'N'Zakaras anthropophages; L'Ouest Africain, 1914. Creator: Unknown

'N'Zakaras anthropophages; L'Ouest Africain, 1914. From "Grande Geographie Bong Illustree", 1914

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Media ID 36295829

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Central Africa Central African Colonies Colony Huts Thatch Thatched Thatched Roof

EDITORS COMMENTS
a striking photograph from the 1910s, captures the intriguing yet enigmatic N'Zakara people of Central Africa as they go about their daily lives in their thatched hut village. The image, published in the French journal "L'Ouest Africain" in 1914, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of this little-known ethnic group living in the colonies of Central Africa during the early 20th century. The photograph portrays a collection of simple, yet distinctively African houses with conical thatched roofs, their dark silhouettes contrasting against the bright, whitewashed walls. The N'Zakara people, dressed in various stages of undress, are shown working, socializing, and tending to their livestock. The term "anthropophages" in the title, which translates to "people eaters" in English, is a derogatory label often used by European colonizers to stigmatize African tribes believed to practice cannibalism. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the N'Zakara people engaged in such practices. The photograph, which is part of the extensive collection of "Grande Geographie Bong Illustree," offers a valuable historical record of a people and a way of life that have largely been forgotten or misunderstood. The image also serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often problematic relationship between European colonizers and the indigenous populations they encountered during the colonial era. Despite the unknown creator of this powerful photograph, it remains an important document of a time and place that continues to fascinate and intrigue scholars, historians, and curious minds alike. The image invites us to explore the rich cultural heritage of Central Africa and to reflect on the complexities of human history and the diverse experiences of people around the world.

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