For the Ekonda pygmies in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the most important event in the life of a woman is the birth of her first child.
The young mother is called Wale (primiparous nursing mother).
For several years after giving birth, she lives in semi-seclusion, separated from her husband, cared for by other female tribe members and covered daily in red powder made of Ngola wood.
When the time comes to reenter society, she puts on a show for the community, translating the lessons learn.
Kehrer Verlag Songs of the walas, hardcover/patrick willocq
