|
Tribe Snapshots Songye |
| Location: |
Southeastern Congo
(Zaire) |
| Population: |
150,000 |
| Language: |
KiSongye (Bantu) |
| Neighboring Peoples: |
Luba, Luba Kasai,
Sungu, Tetela, Mputu, Luntu, Binji, Kaniok, Kusu |
| Types of Art: |
There are numerous mask styles associated with
the Songye. Power objects and objects associated
with divination are also prevalent in Western
collections. In the past many Songye objects have
been misattributed to the Luba and vice versa. |
| History: |
Songye origins are shared with the Luba through
a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo,
who can be traced through lineages to the 16th
century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring
peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed
that the founders of the Songye emerged from the
lake region in Shaba province to the south in
the heart of the Luba homeland. The Lomani River
divides Songye territory and marks the boundary
of the areas invaded by the Luba. As a result
of these geographic and political differences
there emerged of two distinct social structures
among the eastern and western Songye and two stylistic
differences in art forms between the two areas. |
| Economy: |
The Songye traditionally relied mostly on farming
and hunting for subsistence. Because the rivers
were associated with the spirits of deceased chiefs
who were often buried in them, fishing was not
practiced except in times of great need. The artistic
wares of the Songye, including pottery made by
women and weaving and metalworking done by men,
were traded extensively with their neighbors.
They were recognized as superior craftsmen, and
their products were in great demand. |
| Political Systems: |
The Songye are divided into about 35 subgroups.
The paramount chief (Yakitenge) and his advisers
are the central power in Songye territory. Many
of the subgroups were actually quite large, were
often spread over many miles, and were densely
populated. The markets in these areas attracted
numerous artisans and traders from throughout
the region. At one time, Bukishi was a dominant
educational society which helped to maintain social
control through the use of kifibwe masks, but
it no longer functions to this degree except in
the southeastern regions bordering on Luba territory.
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| Religion: |
The creator god of the Songye is Efile, although
sacrifices are not made directly to him. Much
attention is focused on familial ancestors, to
whom sacrifices are made to encourage the well-being
of the individual and the family. |
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