Location: |
Southwestern Congo
(Zaire), Angola |
Population: |
300,000 |
Language: |
Kiyaka (northwestern Bantu) |
Neighboring Peoples: |
Suku, Teke,
Nkanu |
Types of Art: |
Both mbwoolo sculptures and a type of carved slit drum known as a
mukoku are used by ritual specialists. Mukoku help in the divination
process, and mbwoolo are used to embody protective medecine. The Yaka also
carve numerous masks and headgear for use in initiation and to be worn by
traditional leaders. Hair combs and fly whisks often are carved with
decorations as well. |
History: |
Oral history suggests that the Yaka, along with the Suku, were part of
an invasion against the Kongo Kingdom that came from the Lunda Plateau in
the 16th century. Previous to that time Yaka culture was enveloped in
Kongo language and agriculture. Lunda expansion and creation of the
Inbangala Kingdom in 1620 greatly affected the occupants of the Kwango
River area, which included both the Yaka and the Suku. At one time the
Yaka kingdom was comprised of several smaller ethnic groups, including the
Suku. In an effort to expand to the northwest and east, Yaka chiefs
weakened their kingdom's strength and were forced to become subservient to
the Lunda. The Lunda-Chokwe empire collapsed in the 19th century and the
Yaka regained some of their independence. |
Economy: |
Among the Yaka, the males contribute to the local economy largely
through hunting. They may hunt either individually or in groups and most
often use bow and arrow or old rifles. Hunting dogs are a prize possession
among the Yaka, and their ability to sniff out game is compared to the
mgaanga's ability to sniff out witches. The women contribute most of the
food, primarily through cultivation of cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, and
peanuts. They further supplement the diet through the gathering of wild
fruits and berries and occasional fishing. |
Political Systems: |
The Yaka follow matrilineal descent patterns, which are overlayed with
a reckoning of patrilineal ascent, family name, and land ownership. Each
community has a local chief who is the direct descendant of the original
land owner and usually is controlled to some extent by a paramount
regional chief. The Zairian government officially governs each region in
conjunction with the local chiefs, controlling the extent of the power of
those individual chiefs. Ritual specialists and diviners who achieve their
prominence through display of their individual healing powers also inform
political decisions. |
Religion: |
The creator who inhabits the sky (ndzambyaphuungu) is responsible for
life, death, and all unanswerable questions. There are no religious
practices that actively pay homage to this god. Instead, religious
celebrations focus on honoring the elders and ancestors (bambuta). The
death of an elder is cause for a public ceremony performed by other
elders. Bambuta may be honored by recognizing and practicing the
traditional ways and through offerings and gifts. The offering place is
usually a clearing in the forest (yipheesolu). This place is off-limits to
outsiders and all women. Offerings may otherwise be made at the grave site
of the ancestors. Divination is of prime importance to the Yaka, and the
powers of a medicine person (ngaanga) are measured by the ability to
discern the cause of illness. |