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Tribe Snapshots Songo |
| Location: |
Northern Angola |
| Population: |
15,000 |
| Language: |
Wasongo (central Bantu) |
| Neighboring Peoples: |
Chokwe,
Luvale, Ndembu |
| Types of Art: |
The artistic style of the Songo reflects the
influence of the Chokwe and the Yaka. Most figures
represent the royal family, usually taking the
form of portraits, both of the living and the
dead. |
| History: |
Songo origins are closely tied to their immediate
neighbors, and involve decent from the Mbuti and
Mbundu who lived in the area prior to the Bantu
influx which occurred over the last 2000 years.
The Lunda Empire of Mwata Yamwo, which controlled
the region through the 17th century, exerted considerable
influence over the Songo, instituting Lunda rulers,
and demanding economic patronage. The Lunda were
eventually overthrown by Chokwe, who live directly
to the north of the Songo, and who also attempted
to control them. Chokwe power did not last long
however, and was soon replaced by European colonialism.
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| Economy: |
Fishing is the most important economic resources
for the Songo. They raise staple crops of manioc,
cassava, yams, and peanuts. Tobacco and hemp are
also grown for snuff, and maize is grown for beer.
Domesticated livestock is also kept, including
sheep, pigs, chickens, and goats, which provide
meat, but no milk. Meat is obtained through hunting.
The farming and processing of agricultural products
is done almost exclusively by women among the
Songo. Slash and burn techniques and crop rotation
are practiced to conserve the land. Regular trade
is maintained with neighbors to obtain products
from other villages. |
| Political Systems: |
The Songo recognize a chief whose position is
inherited along matrilineal lines. When male children
reach the age of 5 or 6, they are often sent to
the house of their mother's brother where they
are raised as his sons. Throughout history this
geographical region has come under the influence
of numerous strong, and sometimes aggressive neighbors
including the Kongo, Yaka, Lunda, and Chokwe.
The ruling families among the Songo are of Lunda
origin, and those who cannot trace their ancestors
to the Lunda are considered slaves. |
| Religion: |
Like their neighbors, the Songo acknowledge
ancestral spirits as the center of religious activities.
These spirits may belong to the individual, family
or the community, and neglecting them is sure
to result in personal or collective misfortune.
There is a strong belief in sorcery throughout
the region, and concordantly those who practice
divination, and can uncover sorcerers and other
causes of misfortune are highly respected individuals.
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