|
Tribe Snapshots Luluwa |
| Location: |
Southeastern Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
300,000 |
| Language: |
KiNalulua (Bantu) |
| Neighboring
Peoples: |
Luba, Lunda, Chokwe |
| Types
of Art: |
Luluwa are known for their sculpted statues
marked by intricate scarification patterns and
their finely carved utilitarian objects, including
hemp pipes. They also carve several mask types
used in initiation. |
| History: |
The Luluwa are closely related to the Luba Kasai
and migrated along with them in the 18th century
following an attack by the Luba Katanga. All of
the palm trees in the region were cut down on
the orders of Chief Kalamba in an effort to inhibit
the consumption of palm wine. In 1875, he introduced
and encouraged the smoking of hemp as an alternative,
and a series of rituals developed surrounding
the practice among the Luluwa. Both ivory and
slaves were traded to the Chokwe in exchange for
guns prior to European colonization. Since settling
into their present location the Luba Kasai have
grown more quickly than the Luluwa, at times threatening
their sovereignty. Currently, both groups live
peacefully in the same area. |
| Economy: |
Primarily farmers, Luluwa women grow manioc
as a staple crop, as well as beans, sweet potatoes,
maize, yams, peanuts, and bananas. The men are
responsible for clearing the forest and preparing
the soil for cultivation. They also hunt, fish
with nets, and trap animals in the surrounding
forests. Salt is found in the region and is collected
and sold to neighbors to generate income. |
| Political
Systems: |
At the most basic level, Luluwa society is divided
into castes, including nobles, warriors, freemen,
foreigners, and domestic slaves. Chiefs are chosen
from the noble caste and are responsible for ruling
their individual villages. While individual communities
are relatively independent, there is a prime minister
who oversees a council that is chosen from the
heads of various patriclans. They are then responsible
for watching over the various community leaders.
|
| Religion: |
The Luluwa recognize both a supreme being (Muloho)
and a creator (nvidi mukulu). The ancestors, both
mythic and recent, are honored at shrines, while
nature spirits connected to the surrounding forests
are believed to reside in trees and rocks. There
are various religious practices that focus on
fertility, the protection of children, and ensuring
a successful hunt. Hemp is used in many ceremonies
and at one time was mandatory for members of certain
religious groups. |
|
|
