Art Culture Actuality Tourism

SONGYE

Democratic republic of congo, Central africa

NEIGHBORING PEOPLES: Luba, Luba Kasai, Sungu, Tetela, Mputu, Luntu, Binji

Material: wood, cooper, bras

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Songye origins are shared with the Luba through a common mythical Songye ancestor known as Kongolo, who can be traced through lineages to the 16th century. The linguistic traditions of these neighboring peoples are intertwined as well. It is believed that the founders of the Songye emerged from the lake region in Shaba province to the south in the heart of the Luba homeland. The Lomani River divides Songye territory and marks the boundary of the areas invaded by the Luba.

As a result of these geographic and political differences there

emerged of two distinct social structures among the eastern and western Songye and two stylistic differences in art forms between the two areas.

The creator god of the Songye is Efile, although sacrifices are not made directly to him. Much attention is focused on familial ancestors, to whom sacrifices are made to encourage the well-being of the individual and the family.

The Songye are divided into about thirty-five subgroups. The Yakitenge (paramount chief) and his advisers are the central power in Songye territory. Many of the subgroups were actually quite large, were often spread over many miles, and were densely populated. The markets in these areas attracted numerous artisans and traders from throughout the region. At one time, Bukishi was a dominant educational society which helped to maintain social

control through the use of kifibwe masks, but it no longer functions to this degree except in the southeastern regions bordering on Luba territory.