Photographic Print

Black and white photographic print showing a large group of people including a westerner, and four Tasso men, posing in an open area of a village. Written in pencil on the back of the image is 8. Fig. 40, p.132 / Installation of the Sokong of Imperri, showing Tasso men, and the Laka with his shield, to right of picture / Alldridge negative list No. 8 . Published as Figure 40 in T. J. Alldridge, 1901, The Sherbro and Its Hinterland (London: Macmillan). See Alldride's notes about the Tasso men associated with BMAG:WA900252. Of the Laka , Alldridge writes: The Tassos do not dance, that part of the [installation] ceremony being undertaken by the Laka and his followers, who are subordinate to the Tassos. It is only necessary for one Laka to be present in attendance upon several Tassos. The Laka in this instance will be noticed standing to the right, shield in hand, having his black body bedaubed with large white spots. Grouped at the back of him are his boys, to the number of about fifty, who are ready to rush madly round the town, headed by the Laka, to notify the people what is about to take place, call them together, or warn them to get into their houses (p.132).

Further Information

  • Type: Photographs
  • Object: Photographic Print
  • Materials: Paper
  • Culture Group: Mende, Sherbro
  • Dimensions: 163mm x 121mm
  • Production Date: 1897-1898
  • Associated Places: Bambaia, Imperri
  • Associated People: Thomas Joshua Alldridge (Photographer)
  • Museum: Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
  • Accession Number: BMAG:WA900253

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