Jean-Pierre Hallet
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Jean-Pierre Hallet (1927-January 1, 2004) was a Belgian ethnologist, naturalist, and humanitarian best known for his extensive work with the Efé (Bambuti) pygmies of the Ituri Rainforest. He wrote the autobiographical book, Congo Kitabu, published in 1964. He founded the Pygmy Fund.
Other books by Hallet include Pygmy Kitabu, a more in-depth exploration of life with the Efé pygmies, and Animal Kitabu, which details his extraordinary collection of animals in the Congo and in Kenya.
Jean-Pierre's father was André Hallet, the famous African painter. Both the art works of André Hallet and many pieces from Jean-Pierre Hallet's African art collections have been sold at international art auctions. Jean-Pierre donated much of his Central African art collection to the UCLA African Art exhibit, currently part of UCLA's Fowler Museum.
Dr. Hallet and his family ran one of the largest authentic Central African art shops in the United States at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California, near Los Angeles, until the late 1990s. Proceeds from these art sales were used to benefit the Efé pygmies.
Hallet was awarded the Order of the Leopard in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) for his efforts on behalf of the Efé.
