Pitt Rivers Museum Luo Visual History

6.2 MODERNIZING THE ADMINISTRATION

The newly appointed and installed colonial African chiefs not only had to be in full uniform and helmet but had also to embrace education and send their children and those of their Location to school.

1998.349.187.1
Chief Owor from Asuko, A Luo colonial chief
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

1998.349.265.1
Chief Jacob?, A Luo colonial chief
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

1998.349.342
Luo colonial chiefs with a white colonial administrator
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

While the chiefs were in uniform, the council of elders (jodongo ) also purchased some highly valued and admired western clothing including robes. These became symbols of status.

1998.349.234.1
Luo elders (jodongo ). The elders are from Agoro Clan of Alego Location. They assisted the local chief in his administration of justice.
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

1998.349.188.1
Luo elders (jodongo ). These elders are from Asuko Clan. They probably assisted chief Awoi in his administration of justice
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

At the same time, those aspiring to become chiefs had to go to school and embrace a European way of dressing. Even the local police force at work or at home had now taken up European clothing.

1998.349.53.1
Ezekiel Onyango of Yimbo Kadimo, who later became a colonial chief
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

1998.349.241.1
Another Josiah?, who was a Luo policeman
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

1998.349.29.1
Abraham and Josiah who were Luo policemen
Evans-Pritchard, 1936

1998.349.245.1
A Luo man who was probably a local policeman
Evans-Pritchard, 1936