Location: |
Northern Angola |
Population: |
15,000 |
Language: |
Wasongo (central Bantu) |
Neighboring Peoples: |
Chokwe, Luvale, Ndembu |
Types of Art: |
The artistic style of the Songo reflects the influence of the Chokwe
and the Yaka. Most figures represent the royal family, usually taking the
form of portraits, both of the living and the dead. |
History: |
Songo origins are closely tied to their immediate neighbors, and
involve decent from the Mbuti and Mbundu who lived in the area prior to
the Bantu influx which occurred over the last 2000 years. The Lunda Empire
of Mwata Yamwo, which controlled the region through the 17th century,
exerted considerable influence over the Songo, instituting Lunda rulers,
and demanding economic patronage. The Lunda were eventually overthrown by
Chokwe, who live directly to the north of the Songo, and who also
attempted to control them. Chokwe power did not last long however, and was
soon replaced by European colonialism. |
Economy: |
Fishing is the most important economic resources for the Songo. They
raise staple crops of manioc, cassava, yams, and peanuts. Tobacco and hemp
are also grown for snuff, and maize is grown for beer. Domesticated
livestock is also kept, including sheep, pigs, chickens, and goats, which
provide meat, but no milk. Meat is obtained through hunting. The farming
and processing of agricultural products is done almost exclusively by
women among the Songo. Slash and burn techniques and crop rotation are
practiced to conserve the land. Regular trade is maintained with neighbors
to obtain products from other villages. |
Political Systems: |
The Songo recognize a chief whose position is inherited along
matrilineal lines. When male children reach the age of 5 or 6, they are
often sent to the house of their mother's brother where they are raised as
his sons. Throughout history this geographical region has come under the
influence of numerous strong, and sometimes aggressive neighbors including
the Kongo, Yaka, Lunda, and Chokwe. The ruling families among the Songo
are of Lunda origin, and those who cannot trace their ancestors to the
Lunda are considered slaves. |
Religion: |
Like their neighbors, the Songo acknowledge ancestral spirits as the
center of religious activities. These spirits may belong to the
individual, family or the community, and neglecting them is sure to result
in personal or collective misfortune. There is a strong belief in sorcery
throughout the region, and concordantly those who practice divination, and
can uncover sorcerers and other causes of misfortune are highly respected
individuals. |