NEWS OF THE CONGO EXPEDITION 



From Iho report of Herbert Lang, Leader 



THE Coiioo Expedition has hem unusiially successful in its work 

 amonji the Manghetu and has emphasized consi(h'rahly thereby 

 its record in anthropology. 



The Mangbetii possess intelligence iniwonted among Africans and the 

 ]Mangbetu monarchy, first descril)ed in 1S70, is ver^' ancient, probably 

 founded several hundred years ago by Hamitic wanderers from the Nile. 

 Industry has flourished in this monarchy, the Mangbetu excelling in pottery, 

 carving and boat building, while according to some authorities their houses 

 are superior to all others in Central Africa. 



Okondo, the present king, has extended very great favor to the Museum's 

 expedition antl has arranged many palavers, dances, sham battles and other 

 performances for its study. He has granted that photographs be taken of 

 the King's village of one hundred huts, each with its paintings and carvings, 

 of his own "big hut," and also of his three queens in whose royal dress 

 figure rare okapi belts, many ornaments of brass, and tiaborate headdresses 

 decorated with monkey bones. 



The collection in anthropology now consists of some 1400 articles and 

 in the words of Mr. Lang, "... .is unique not only on account of its num- 

 bers but especially by reason of the .selection that has been made throughout 

 practically the entire territory inhabited l)y the Mangbetu and tribes 

 intimately mingled with tlieni." 



Tlie expedition lias \isited Do.igu, Faradje and .\ba, traxi'ling with 

 a caravan of one liuiKh'cd and eiglity nicii, wiiich fact in itself explains 

 the large size of the eolleelions. In the report IMOO mamnials are listed. 

 1300 reptiles and 2SoO birds. Among the mainmals is a line bull white rhi- 

 noceros, two elephants, a bull bhick I'liiiioeeros and two l)utfaloes. 



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