|
Tribe Snapshots Mbole |
| Location: |
Southwestern Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
150,000 |
| Language: |
Mbole (central Bantu) |
| Neighboring
Peoples: |
Lengola, Mongo, Komo, Lokele, Yele, Pere |
| Types
of Art: |
Most Mbole figurative sculpture represents individuals
who have been hanged for violating the laws of
society. Wooden statues characteristically have
sunken faces and concave torsos, many with ropes
attached to the necks. There are also other figures
related to healing or representing the ancestors.
Some masks are made, but these are very rare.
The Mbole make elaborat mats and beautiful bracelets
of brass. |
| History: |
The Mbole migrated from north of the Congo (Zaire)
river, crossing upstream of the mouth of the Lomani
River near Basoko before moving south to their
current location. In the 18th century they were
divided into five smaller peoples as a result
of pressure from the advancing Bombesa. They share
a cultural and linguistic history with the Mongo,
who live to the west and from whom they were separated
during the Topoke and Lokele invasions. Their
art forms and certain linguistic patterns indicate
a degree of shared history with the Yela and Pere. |
| Economy: |
The Mbole are primarily hunters and farmers.
The nuclear family is the main unit of production.
Women grow the main staples consisting of manioc,
bananas, and rice, and they also raise ducks,
goats, and chickens, which provide milk, eggs,
and the occasional protein rich meal. Men hunt
with bows and arrows, using guns when available.
They also build traps to ensnare unsuspecting
prey. The diet is supplemented with fishing, which
is carried out with nets in the nearby river.
Most of the necessities of daily life are handmade
by weavers and local blacksmiths, the latter of
whom often serve in ceremonies, including initiation
and circumcision. |
| Political
Systems: |
Governing among the Mbole is directed by the
village chief, a chosen village elder, who has
attained a high status in the Lilwa society. This
society, the primary initiation and education
organization of all males and some females, effectively
trains all young men to be responsible members
of society. The eldest of each lineage normally
represents it in village politics. Villages are
autonomous, but may elect an area chief to represent
several villages on issues that concern them all.
Female political power is maintained through residence
rules, which encourage a man to live in the village
of his wife. The wife's brother also plays an
important role in the education of the children.
If a community law is broken, the transgressor
is publicly reprimanded, with the most severe
punishment being hanging and burial in an unmarked,
unremembered grave. |
| Religion: |
The moralistic teachings of Lilwa society are
also the center of Mbole religion. The initiation
process stresses the importance of respecting
women and the elders, both living and deceased.
It also focuses on ensuring adherence to societal
norms, which prohibit thievery, adultery, and
lying. There are four levels to the Lilwa society,
which is led by its most advanced members, the
Isoya. The Isoya are the religious leaders of
the community, and when they die they are buried
in a tree, and a house is left standing empty
to remind the villagers of his eternal presence.
The wife of the Isoya is also very powerful and
is usually initiated into the Lilwa society at
the request of her husband. |
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