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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Tag:KONGO
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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Chokwe
Chokwe TYPES OF ART The Chokwe are well known for art objects produced to celebrate and validate the royal court. These objects include ornately carved stools and chairs used as thrones. Most of the sculptures are portraits, which represent the royal lineage. Staffs, scepters, and spears are among other implements sculpted to celebrate the court. …
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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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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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Luluwa
LULUWA TYPES OF ART Luluwa are known for their sculpted statues marked by intricate scarification patterns and their finely carved utilitarian objects, including hemp pipes. They also carve several mask types used in initiation. HISTORY The Luluwa are closely related to the Luba Kasai and migrated along with them in the 18th century following an …
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Lunda
LUNDA TYPES OF ART Although it is impossible to isolate specific examples of Lunda art, their political activity in the region and their patronage of artists living in neighboring ethnic groups influenced the artistic styles found throughout the region. It is believed that all objects historically linked to the Lunda were originally carved by neighbors, …
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Mangbetu
MANGBETU TYPES OF ART Most Mangbetu art was reserved for ruling class and was secular in nature. Wooden figures are believed to be ancestral portraits. Harps and trumpets that were used by court musicians were often adorned with sculpted human heads. Decorated thrones and knives were also part of the royal regalia. HISTORY Linguistic patterns …
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