B C H K L M N P S T W Y Z

Bangubangu

The Bangubangu Tribe The Bangubangu, also known as the Bangu-Bangu or Bambenga, are an ethnic group primarily residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here are some key facts about the Bangubangu tribe: Location: The Bangubangu people are primarily found in the Equateur Province of the DRC, specifically in the northern region near the …
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Bembe

BEMBE The Bembe tribe is an ethnic group predominantly residing in the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), near Lake Tanganyika. Here are some key facts about the Bembe tribe: Location: The Bembe people primarily inhabit the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Itombwe in the South Kivu province of the DRC, near …
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Bushoong

BUSHOONG TYPES OF ART As might be expected, art that can be directly attributed to the Bushoong is almost always used to validate rule. Ndop (portraits of rulers) are perhaps the best known of the Bushoong royal arts and are used as mnemonic devices to remember Kuba history and to transfer power from one king to the …
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Hemba

Hemba TYPES OF ART The artistic style of the Hemba is very similar to that of the Luba, as many of their forms are borrowed. Art often results from the elaboration of otherwise simple utilitarian objects. Extensive wooden sculptures, which often represent the ancestors, predominate. HISTORY Near the end of the 16th century, the Hemba …
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Holoholo

Holoholo TYPES OF ART The confluence of ethnic groups that resulted in Holoholo identity is reflected in their art, which incorporates many diverse styles. Elements of Luba and Tabwa styles are both apparent. A few figures attributed to the “master of slit eyes” represent the best known Holoholo art objects in museum collections. HISTORY Holoholo …
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Kongo

Kongo TYPES OF ART The most prolific art form from this area is the nkisi objects, which come in all shapes, mediums, and sizes. The stratification of Kongo society resulted in much of the art being geared toward those of high status, and the nkisi figures were one of the only forms available to everyone. HISTORY The Kongo peoples …
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Kuba

KUBA TYPES OF ART Aside from beautiful cloth, the Kuba also produce carved wooden masks and figures. They also carve headrests, divination oracles, and anthropomorphic cups. HISTORY In the 16th century, the Kuba peoples migrated from the distant north to their current location along the Sankuru River. When they arrived, however, they found that the …
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Kusu

KUSU TYPES OF ART Much of Kusu sculpture is comparable to their neighbors, from the Lubaized chief’s stools and Songye-like power figures, to the Hemba-influenced ancestor figures. Women also make pottery and basketry, which is used in everyday life. HISTORY Kusu history is shared with the Nkutshu and Tetela, all of whom came from the …
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