|
Tribe Snapshots Kusu |
| Location: |
Southeastern Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
60,000 |
| Language: |
KiKusu (central Bantu) |
| Neighboring
Peoples: |
Songye, Hemba, Kuba, Tetela,
Luba |
| Types
of Art: |
Much of Kusu sculpture is comparable to their
neighbors, from the Lubaized chief's stools and
Songye-like power figures, to the Hemba-influenced
ancestor figures. Women also make pottery and
baskestry, which is used in everyday life. |
| History: |
Kusu history is shared with the Nkutshu and
Tetela, all of whom came from the northwest of
their current location and share a Mongo-Kundu
origin. Their first movement was southward, then
they moved back north through Luba, Songye, and
Hemba territory, acquiring social customs and
learning artistic styles along the way. Once arrived
in their new location they split into two major
factions divided into north and south—they then
further divided into smaller groups, which remain
largely separated and independent to this day
due to their geographic isolation. The groups
in the south have been more influenced by the
Songye and the Luba, which is evident in their
sculpture styles. |
| Economy: |
The Kusu, who in the past were hunters, have
in recent years embraced a more sedentary lifestyle
that includes farming on land that is cleared
by men. They raise maize, yams, beans, and also
domesticated animals, including cows, pigs, goats,
and chickens. Fishing is performed by both men
and women using nets fashioned by men, and hunting
is still considered to be of ritual importance
and serves as a powerful metaphor in most communities.
|
| Political
Systems: |
The Kusu are split into small villages that
are relatively isolated from one another, particularly
in the south, where Luba influence is most strongly
felt. The villages are further divided into castes
in which the blacksmiths are influential. Investiture
ceremonies for chiefs are similar to those practiced
among the Luba, but there is no paramount chief
who oversees all of the Kusu. Instead there are
a series of village leaders who inherit their
positions of power. |
| Religion: |
Kusu religious practice has been greatly influenced
by their neighbors. They recognize a supreme being
(Vilie) and share a common belief in the power
of the ancestors, despite their geographical differences.
They worship various nature spirits that can be
traced to their Mongo origins, recognize ancestor
cults that have been borrowed from the Hemba and
the Luba, and fashion and use powerful magical
figures similar to those found among the Songye.
There is an initiation society, which is primarily
aimed at educating people about the evils of witchcraft,
and there are also diviners that are consulted
for matters of importance. |
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