The “Babende” are the members of a secret society among the Bangongo, a tribe of the Buschongo or Songora on the lower Congo.
Tag: African customs
Traditional African dress, culture and customs of the various regions.

Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.
Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.
Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

Bust of a black African woman and man by Charles Cordier
Masterpieces of industrial art & sculpture at the International exhibition, 1862
Armed San men about to set off on an expedition. Khoisan Peoples.
Armed San men about to set off on an expedition. Khoisan Peoples of South Africa, by Samuel Daniell.

Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.
The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.
Musician of the Bateke tribe representing a orchestral group.
From a photograph taken among the Bateke tribe, Central Africa, representing a orchestral group.
Africa Nigeria. Nupe woman clothing around 1878.
Nupe woman around 1878. Nupe (also called Nufe or Nyfe) was once a tributary empire to the Sultan of Gwandu, in central Niger
Habit of a Woman of Africa in 1581
Habit of a Woman of Africa in 1581 from Habitus Variarum. Africaine Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day by Ogden Goelet. Egyptian Mythology: A… Read More
Usagara, Chief of Mamboya, with his son and witch doctor.
Usagara, Tanzania. Chief of Mamboya, with his son and witch doctor.
Zulu Warrior. Zulu-Kraal. South Africa 1899.
Zulu Warrior. South Africa 1899. Wedding dance, ornaments utensils, interior hut.
Costume of Gambia. Voyage to Africa 1823.
Costume of Gambia. Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day by Ogden Goelet. Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Traditions of Ancient Egypt by Geraldine… Read More
Historical Berber costumes from Morocco, 1862.
Historical Berber Costumes of Morocco. Morocco is a state in the north-west of Africa.