|
Tribe Snapshots Nkanu |
| Location: |
Western Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
unknown |
| Language: |
Kinkanu (central Bantu) |
| Neighboring
Peoples: |
Yaka, Suku, Kongo, Lula |
| Types
of Art: |
Nkanu art styles are very similar to their Yaka
and Lula neighbors. They carve wooden masks that
are used for ceremonial purposes and anthropomorphic
wooden sculptures. |
| History: |
Nkanu peoples live in an area of central Africa
that is rich with historical narratives and events.
They are situated between Kongo and Yaka peoples,
both powerful empires during the last couple of
centuries. As such, their own history is best
understood when viewed within the context of the
whole region. In 1482 the Portuguese arrived on
the coast, beginning diplomatic relations with
Kongo royalty which included sending Kongo nobles
to visit the royal assemblage in Portugal in 1485.
The relationship established between these two
empires brought both Christianity and slaving
into the region. Nkanu peoples were undoubtedly
affected by both of these influences. Nkanu share
many cultural and linguistic similarities with
their Yaka and Lula neighbors, indicating probable
historical connections between them. |
| Economy: |
Among Nkanu, men contribute to the local economy
largely through hunting. They may hunt either
individually or in groups, and most often use
bow and arrow, or old rifles. The women contribute
primarily through cultivation of cassava, sweet
potatoes, beans and peanuts. They further supplement
the diet through the gathering of wild fruits
and berries and occasional fishing in the nearby
rivers. Manioc is the main staple throughout the
region, but maize is also very important. Intergroup
trade with neighbors in the region play a critical
role in Nkanu economics. |
| Political
Systems: |
Like most of the peoples living in this region,
Nkanu peoples traditionally observed matrilocal
descent, inheritance rites, succession, and residence
patterns. Although in recent years there has been
a tendency for some sons to reside in their own
villages after marriage, succession and inheritance
still observes matrilocal patterns. In most cases,
however, when a man and a woman are married they
move to the village of the bride. Many times the
bride's father is the brother of the groom's father.
In effect, the groom is marrying his maternal
cousin and living in the compound of his maternal
uncle. In this way power resides within the maternal
line. This arrangement results in a relatively
high value being placed on daughters, who in most
cases bring in a considerable bride price for
her family. It does not necessarily increase her
power, however, as she is still at the mercy of
the men in her life. |
| Religion: |
There is creator god who inhabits the sky and
is responsible for life, death and all unanswerable
questions. There are no religious practices which
actively pay homage to this God. Instead, religious
celebrations focus on honoring the elders and
ancestors. The death of an elder is cause for
a public ceremony performed by other elders. Ancestors
may be honored by recognizing and practicing the
traditional ways and through offerings and gifts.
The offering place is usually a clearing in the
forest, removed from the everyday interactions
of village life. Offerings may otherwise be made
at the grave site of the ancestors. |
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