|
Tribe Snapshots Lega |
| Location: |
Southeastern Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
250,000 |
| Language: |
KiLega (central Bantu) |
| Neighboring Peoples: |
Bembe, Binja,
Zimba, Songola, Komo, Shi, Nyanga |
| Types of Art: |
The Bwami society is the context for the production
of most Lega art work, which includes ivory and
wooden statuettes and masks. Ivory objects are
reserved for the highest level, Kindi, while wooden
objects are used by Kindi and Yonanio, the second
level. |
| History: |
In the 16th century the Lega began their long
migration from modern day Uganda into their present
location. They were a warlike people whose fierceness
inspired those, with whom they came into contact,
to adopt many Lega customs. In the 17th century
they attacked the Rwandan outpost of Rutshurer
on their way to Maniema, just west of Lake Tanganyika,
dividing and conquering the people who lived in
the region. Many cultural traits have been assimilated
into the surrounding cultures, and the Lega still
dominate the region today. |
| Economy: |
Although traditionally the Lega were mostly
farmers, raising manioc, bananas, and rice, they
have recently been panning for gold in alluvial
river deposits. There are also iron ore mines
in the region which employ local labor. The Bwami
society, which is a political organization, requires
large payments from those who wish to advance.
As a result, even in very rural areas, there is
a large amount of currency in circulation. |
| Political Systems: |
The Lega are not organized under one centralized
authority. Instead, individual communities are
stratified in accordance with lineage hierarchies.
The leader of the lineage inherits his position
along patrilineal lines. This system is balanced
by the Bwami society, which is theoretically open
to all Lega, and involves movement through numerous
hierarchical stages. One's power in the community
is often determined by one's power in Bwami. The
demand for high payment that is made for movement
through Bwami often acts to challenge the lineage
power structure. |
| Religion: |
The main gods are Kalaga, the promiser; Kenkunga,
the reassembler; and Ombe, the hidden. Kaginga
is recognized as the incarnation of evil and assists
sorcerers. By joining Bwami one can develop an
immunity to the evil doings of most witches. The
highest rank of Bwami is Kindi and is directly
associated with the skulls of the ancestors, which
are placed in a hut at the center of the village.
Objects which contain powerful supernatural medicines
are not exposed to public eye but are instead
placed with the Kindi. |
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