Pelele and Pipe
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Pelele and Pipe
A Congo West African with lip plates (pelele), smoking a pipe. Date: early 1930s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14098085
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Congo Drugs Pelele Pipe Pipes Plates Tobacco
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic figure of a Congo West African man named Pelele, adorned with traditional lip plates and puffing on a pipe, in the early 1930s. The image transports us back in time to an era when indigenous cultures and traditions were still largely undisturbed by the encroaching influence of Western civilization. Pelele's distinctive lip plates, a mark of his tribal identity, are a striking feature of this photograph. The plates, made from materials such as clay, wood, or metal, were inserted into the lip tissue to signify maturity and status within his community. The size and shape of the plates varied among different tribes, making them a unique identifier of each individual's cultural heritage. The man's pipe, a symbol of relaxation and contemplation, adds to the contemplative atmosphere of the photograph. Tobacco, the primary ingredient in the pipe, was an essential component of many African cultures, used for various purposes such as medicinal, social, and spiritual rituals. The photograph offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of a Congo West African man during a time when European colonialism was on the rise, and traditional practices were under threat. It serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that existed before the influence of Westernization and the importance of preserving and celebrating the diversity of human traditions. This photograph is a valuable historical document that provides insight into the lives of people who have long been underrepresented in the annals of history. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of human history and the importance of understanding and respecting the diversity of cultural practices that have shaped our world.
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