Head Carrying Collection

Africa. Loanda. St. Paul of Loanda. Market Square
History of Africa. 19th century. Loanda. Saint Paul of Loanda. View of the Market Square. Engraving. El Congo y la Creacion del Estado Independiente de este nombre

Africa. The Congo. Indigenous with double burden
History of Africa. 19th century. The Congo. Indigenous with double burden. Engraving by Pedro Mullor. El Congo y la Creacion del Estado Independiente de este nombre

A man climbing on the side of a palace spies gopis across a pond with a pagoda
6040478 A man climbing on the side of a palace spies gopis across a pond with a pagoda, 1605-20 (opaque w/c on paper) by Indian School, (17th century); 14.7x21 cm; San Diego Museum of Art

Plate 224. Stooping and Lifting Water Jar to Head, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950206 Plate 224. Stooping and Lifting Water Jar to Head, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 16.7x42.9 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover

Plate 221. Stooping and Lifting 12 lb basket to Head, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950203 Plate 221. Stooping and Lifting 12 lb basket to Head, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 21.6x34.3 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

Plate 34. Walking, 15-lb. Basket on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950126 Plate 34. Walking, 15-lb. Basket on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 17.5x41.9 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

Plate 124. Descending Incline, 20-lb Basket on Head, Hands Raised
3950172 Plate 124. Descending Incline, 20-lb Basket on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 23.3x31.6 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art

Plate 80. Ascending Incline, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950141 Plate 80. Ascending Incline, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 21x35.1 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Plate 517. Miscellaneous Movements with a Water Jar, 1885 (collotype on paper)
3950503 Plate 517. Miscellaneous Movements with a Water Jar, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 23x32.9 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover, MA

Plate 516. Miscellaneous Movements with a Water Jar, 1885 (collotype on paper)
3950502 Plate 516. Miscellaneous Movements with a Water Jar, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 23.8x31.4 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover

Plate 230. Lifting 30 lb Basket from Ground to Head, Turning, 1885 (collotype on paper)
3950471 Plate 230.Lifting 30 lb Basket from Ground to Head, Turning, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 18.1x40.6 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

Plate 206. Carrying Water Jar on Head, Turning and Placing it
3950390 Plate 206. Carrying Water Jar on Head, Turning and Placing it on, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 21x37 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

Plate 33. Walking, 14-lb. Basket on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper)
3950125 Plate 33. Walking, 14-lb. Basket on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 16.5x42.6 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

Plate 27. Walking, Carrying 70 lb. Stone on Head, Hands Raised
3949987 Plate 27. Walking, Carrying 70 lb. Stone on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 15.6x45.4 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art

Plate 454. Taking 12-lb basket from Head and Placing it on Ground
3950490 Plate 454. Taking 12-lb basket from Head and Placing it on Ground, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 21.9x33.2 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art

Plate 57. Walking Turning Around, 10-lb basket on Head, 1885 (collotype on paper)
3950446 Plate 57. Walking Turning Around, 10-lb basket on Head, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 21.6x34.3 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy, Andover

Plate 179. Stepping On and Over a Rock, A Basket on Head, 1885 (collotype on paper)
3950378 Plate 179. Stepping On and Over a Rock, A Basket on Head, 1885 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 21.9x33.7 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art, Phillips Academy

Plate 222. Stooping and Lifting Water Jar to Head and Turning
3950204 Plate 222. Stooping and Lifting Water Jar to Head and Turning, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 17.2x45.1 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art

Plate 123. Descending Incline, 20-lb Basket on Head, Hands Raised
3950171 Plate 123. Descending Incline, 20-lb Basket on Head, Hands Raised, 1872-85 (collotype on paper) by Muybridge, Eadweard (1830-1904); 23x31.9 cm; Addison Gallery of American Art

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"Journeying through Africa: The Art of Head Carrying" In the bustling city of Loanda, located in the heart of Africa, lies the magnificent St. Paul of Loanda and its vibrant Market Square. Here, amidst the lively atmosphere, one can witness a remarkable sight - women gracefully balancing heavy loads on their heads as they navigate through the busy streets. Venturing deeper into Africa, we find ourselves in the enchanting Congo. Amongst its indigenous population exists a unique phenomenon known as "the double burden. " Men and women alike carry not only their own weight but also that of their culture's traditions and responsibilities. As if taken from an ancient tale, imagine a man scaling the side of a grand palace. From his vantage point, he spies upon gopis dancing across a serene pond adorned with an elegant pagoda. This captivating scene captures both grace and strength - qualities embodied by those who master head carrying. Delving into historical records dating back to 1872-85, we uncover fascinating collotype prints showcasing various movements involved in this art form. Plate 224 depicts individuals stooping and lifting water jars onto their heads - a testament to their physical prowess and dexterity. Plate 221 showcases another aspect - lifting baskets weighing twelve pounds onto one's head while maintaining balance with hands raised high. This display exemplifies not only strength but also poise under pressure. Further exploration reveals images such as Plate 34 depicting individuals walking confidently with fifteen-pound baskets atop their heads while raising their hands triumphantly towards the sky. Such scenes illustrate how head carrying becomes second nature for these skilled individuals. The challenges faced by these carriers are not limited to flat surfaces alone; they conquer inclines effortlessly too. Plates 124 and 80 showcase descending and ascending inclines respectively while bearing considerable weights on their heads – an awe-inspiring feat indeed. Water jars hold significant importance within African communities for their essential role in daily life.