Human Rights activist John Prendergast co-wrote with Fidel Bafilemba “Congo Stories,” to record and illustrate the compelling stories of the beautiful people of the Republic of Congo, and document “the exploitation of the people and natural resources that have benefitted Americans and Europeans for over 500 years.” The profiles of highlighted individuals within this compelling book are told with great compassion, and visually given a voice through the photographs taken by actor Ryan Gosling.
I was especially moved by the story of the gentleman pictured above on the left, Claude. His beautiful face reminded me of the 14th-century sculptured head of Ife, thought to be a portrait of a ruler, unearthed in Nigeria in 1938. What strikes me is the beauty and dignity both faces share and convey; the contemporary Claude who was kidnapped at 14 and forced to become a child soldier for a militia gang, and the elegant head, celebrated portrait of a royal person and ruler crafted for a ceremony. The expression in their eyes belies their unequal life experiences.
Image Credit:
Ife Head: http://www.britishmuseum.org
"Claude's Story, 2010" from Congo Stories: http://www.enoughproject.org