Location: |
Southeastern Congo
(Zaire) |
Population: |
250,000 |
Language: |
KiLega (central Bantu) |
Neighboring Peoples: |
Bembe, Binja, Zimba, Songola, Komo, Shi, Nyanga |
Types of Art: |
The Bwami society is the context for the production of most Lega art
work, which includes ivory and wooden statuettes and masks. Ivory objects
are reserved for the highest level, Kindi, while wooden objects are used
by Kindi and Yonanio, the second level. |
History: |
In the 16th century the Lega began their long migration from modern
day Uganda into their present location. They were a warlike people whose
fierceness inspired those, with whom they came into contact, to adopt many
Lega customs. In the 17th century they attacked the Rwandan outpost of
Rutshurer on their way to Maniema, just west of Lake Tanganyika, dividing
and conquering the people who lived in the region. Many cultural traits
have been assimilated into the surrounding cultures, and the Lega still
dominate the region today. |
Economy: |
Although traditionally the Lega were mostly farmers, raising manioc,
bananas, and rice, they have recently been panning for gold in alluvial
river deposits. There are also iron ore mines in the region which employ
local labor. The Bwami society, which is a political organization,
requires large payments from those who wish to advance. As a result, even
in very rural areas, there is a large amount of currency in
circulation. |
Political Systems: |
The Lega are not organized under one centralized authority. Instead,
individual communities are stratified in accordance with lineage
hierarchies. The leader of the lineage inherits his position along
patrilineal lines. This system is balanced by the Bwami society, which is
theoretically open to all Lega, and involves movement through numerous
hierarchical stages. One's power in the community is often determined by
one's power in Bwami. The demand for high payment that is made for
movement through Bwami often acts to challenge the lineage power
structure. |
Religion: |
The main gods are Kalaga, the promiser; Kenkunga, the reassembler; and
Ombe, the hidden. Kaginga is recognized as the incarnation of evil and
assists sorcerers. By joining Bwami one can develop an immunity to the
evil doings of most witches. The highest rank of Bwami is Kindi and is
directly associated with the skulls of the ancestors, which are placed in
a hut at the center of the village. Objects which contain powerful
supernatural medicines are not exposed to public eye but are instead
placed with the Kindi. |