B H K L Z

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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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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Luba

LUBA TYPES OF ART The iconographic representation of women in Luba sculpture is widespread and correlates to the important role of women in Luba society. The Luba are best known for their stools, mboko (divination bowls), beautifully carved bow stands, and lukasa (memory boards). HISTORY The relentless expansion of Luba empire can be traced as far back as 1500, …
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Zande

The word azande means “the people who possess much land.” This relates to their history as conquering warriors. The Zande migrated during the 18th century from Sudan to the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, settling on the banks of the Uele River. They live also in the Central African Republic and the Sudan. …
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