Album containing 147 pencil sketches by Bula N'zau (Henry Bailey, Elephant Smasher)

Abstract

The album of 147 illustrations, 31 photographs, and map were created by Bula N'zau (Henry Bailey, Elephant Smasher), and document his work with an expedition in Congo Free State [Democratic Republic of the Congo], c. 1884-1888, while working with the "Association Internationale." Illustrations are in pencil; they are signed and dated. Most have short descriptions of subject matter, usually indicating location, specifying name of town, geographical information (i.e. name of island or bay), landmark, or name of notable resident. Illustrations depict communities [settlements] and terrain, often coastlines as viewed from sailing vessels; colonial installations (forts, stations, residences, factories); campsites; big game hunting; daily activities of local inhabitants (fishing, cooking); local implements and weaponry; local structures; and wildlife (hippopotamus, antelope, elephants). Sometimes particular attention is spent on depicting vegetation and terrain. Locations include but are not limited to Goree Island, along the Kwilu River, Boma, Lukungu River, Congo River, Leopoldville [Kinshasa], Stanley Pool [Pool Malebo].|The 31 photographs are labeled, and most are of areas around St. Thomas and Boma. They depict a coffee plantation in St. Thomas as well as individual and group portraits. Individuals are both local (Bangala) and foreign. These include European administrators and travelers in the Congo at this period including Rose Troup and Roger Casement. |The map details a survey from Massabe to N. Kula Macceilo including country on north bank. Red line shows routes taken by Captn. H.P. Bailey, October 1885.

Date Range

1884-1888

Start Date

1884

End Date

1888

Access Information

The Library is open to Smithsonian staff Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only

Topic

• Hunting
• Anthropology
• Mammalogy

Place

• Congo River
• Lukungu
• Congo, Democratic Republic of the
• Kinshasa
• Kwilu
• Boma
• Pool Malebo

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes
• Sketchbooks
• Black-and-white photographs
• Maps

Collection name

Russell E. Train Africana Collection, 1663-1996, Smithsonian Institution Library, c. 1894-1939

Physical Description

1 album

Physical Location

National Museum of Natural History (U.S.). Cullman Library

Sublocation

Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History