Location: |
Southeastern Congo
(Zaire) |
Population: |
300,000 |
Language: |
KiNalulua (Bantu) |
Neighboring Peoples: |
Luba, Lunda,
Chokwe |
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 attack by the Luba Katanga. All
of the palm trees in the region were cut down on the orders of Chief
Kalamba in an effort to inhibit the consumption of palm wine. In 1875, he
introduced and encouraged the smoking of hemp as an alternative, and a
series of rituals developed surrounding the practice among the Luluwa.
Both ivory and slaves were traded to the Chokwe in exchange for guns prior
to European colonization. Since settling into their present location the
Luba Kasai have grown more quickly than the Luluwa, at times threatening
their sovereignty. Currently, both groups live peacefully in the same
area. |
Economy: |
Primarily farmers, Luluwa women grow manioc as a staple crop, as well
as beans, sweet potatoes, maize, yams, peanuts, and bananas. The men are
responsible for clearing the forest and preparing the soil for
cultivation. They also hunt, fish with nets, and trap animals in the
surrounding forests. Salt is found in the region and is collected and sold
to neighbors to generate income. |
Political Systems: |
At the most basic level, Luluwa society is divided into castes,
including nobles, warriors, freemen, foreigners, and domestic slaves.
Chiefs are chosen from the noble caste and are responsible for ruling
their individual villages. While individual communities are relatively
independent, there is a prime minister who oversees a council that is
chosen from the heads of various patriclans. They are then responsible for
watching over the various community leaders. |
Religion: |
The Luluwa recognize both a supreme being (Muloho) and a creator
(nvidi mukulu). The ancestors, both mythic and recent, are honored at
shrines, while nature spirits connected to the surrounding forests are
believed to reside in trees and rocks. There are various religious
practices that focus on fertility, the protection of children, and
ensuring a successful hunt. Hemp is used in many ceremonies and at one
time was mandatory for members of certain religious groups.
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