Kinshasa Local Market

In Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic of the Congo), I used a Polaroid camera in places where photography was frowned upon or even illegal. This way, the people were "paid" by a gift of a picture of themselves. I kept a notebook were I documented everyday life, such as the above market place.

The bananas on the upper right were a variety that were relatively cheap, because they were not preferred; on the upper right were the highest quality of bananas.

The fruit and vegetables on the metal cart were being taken to the market where expatriates frequented. The metal body of the "pousse pousse" had handles in front and back for pushing or pulling, and sat on car tires. The carts were hired to carry goods throughout the city and were quite common.

Some local farmers had learned expatriates tastes, so they grew zucchini squash, cucumbers, large tomatoes, green beans, leafy lettuce, and small dark green watermelons. These products were rarely eaten by the locals. Because of the lack of long daylight hours, the vegetables were specific varieties, (many species will not fruit in the tropics). Due to the high rainfall, the crops were grown in raised beds to prevent root rott.

Shown in the bottom right photograph was a "grande valise," or big suitcase, of dried fish from Kisangani, The "suitcases" came in standard sizes from the villages, and these were the largest, brought in on the Zaire (Congo) river.