Jean-Pierre Hallet

Who was Jean-Pierre Hallet?

Jean-Pierre Hallet was a Belgian ethnologist, naturalist, and humanitarian best known for his extensive work with the Efé pygmies of the Ituri Rainforest. He wrote the 1964 autobiographical book, Congo Kitabu, the 1973 ethnologic book Pygmy Kitabu, and the 1968 book Animal Kitabu, which details his extraordinary collection of animals in the Congo and in Kenya. He founded the Pygmy Fund for the benefit of the Efé.

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 of the Museum of Cultural History, which was part of the impetus for its creation.

Dr. Hallet and his family owned 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. The shop was managed with his wife Liane Hallet, and two of his stepchildren, Janou Lightning and Kristina Hill. Proceeds from these art sales were used to benefit the Efé pygmies.