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Bushoong (a tribe of the Kuba Kingdom)
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History
The Bushoong, originally lived in southern Mongo territory and are of Mongo stock. They migrated down across the Sankuru river to their current position in West Kasai, Zaire (Republic of Congo). They established a kingdom under King Shyaam, who became a mythological hero. He was followed by twenty one rulers who have kept the kingdom intact for over 400 years. |
Location
West Kasai, Zaire (Republic of Congo) |
Religion
The Kuba supreme being is Ncyeem who superseded Mboom and Ngaan. The divinity of kings replaced the ancestor and nature spirit cults. |
Economy
The Kuba are traditionally farmers, hunters, fishermen, weavers, and carvers. They farm tobacco, maize and cassava. Hunting is done with bows and arrows, and fishing with nets. Both utilitarian and ritual carving is done, and weaving and embroidery are distinctive and each king has his own designs. |
Sociopolitical
The kingdom of the Kuba is long established, its institutions dating back to the 16th century. The Bushoong are the leading group, from whom the king, Nyimi, originates. He is surrounded by over a hundred high status officials and is in complete control of the kingdom. He is divine and has magic powers. Beneath him are village leaders. |
Sculpture
| Bushoong art is famous for the variety of richly decorated objects produced. Court art is reserved for the sole use of the king and courtiers. Figures of the king, called Ndop are among the most famous of Bushoong sculptures. Many artifacts such as drums, drinking horns, gongs, stools, backrests bear the geometric designs chosen by the king to represent his reign. |
| The main royal mask is Moshambwooy, the symbol of Woot, the founding ancestor of the tribe. The Bwoom mask, representing Woot’s brother, is the second of the royal masks, and the third royal mask Ngadi Mwaash, which represents the sister of Woot, with whom he had an incestuous relationship. All three masks are extensively decorated with beads, raffia and cowrie shells. |
| Bushoong art is typified by its idealised realism. It is elaborately decorated with multicoloured beadwork, cowrie shells, metal inlays and polychromatic pigment application. |
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