The Bapende of the Belgian Congo

Collection

Identifier: Film Collection no. 62

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Harry L. Shapiro, anthropologist, is introduced as the expert on the topic and addresses the subject of acculturation in relation to the traditional culture and to the benefits of modern medicine. Shapiro narrates the footage on the Bapende (i.e. Pende) people in the Belgian Congo (now Zaire) excerpted from the filmmaker Andř Couvin's film Bongolo. Native costumes and dances used during a boy's initiation ceremony, black magic demonstrations, and other unique aspects of the culture are seen. The program discusses the success of the Belgian govern ment at introducing ideas of modern medicine to the natives.

Dates

1954

Creator

American Museum of Natural History (Organization)

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 Film Reel (30 minutes) : sound, black and white ; 16 mm.

1 Videocassette (U-Matic (30 minutes)) : sound, black and white ; 3/4 in.

Additional Description

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

3/4 in., U-Matic, viewing copy

Other Finding Aids

Finding aid: script.

General

Original format: 16mm kinescope.

General

Originally aired March 7, 1954 as part of the CBS/AMNH Adventure television series.

General

http://libcat1.amnh.org/record=b1138323

General

Charles Collingwood, host; Lamar Caselli, director; Perry Wolff, producer; Robert Northshield, assistant producer; Phyllis Kremer, writer; Leon Rice, editorial supervisor; Jac Venza, production design.