Intra-Group+Relations

This topic focuses on the occurrences within a community and the group dynamics, which shape a society. For this, it is essential to examine societal components such as class, gender roles, ethics, and daily conventions of a population, in order to delineate the social structure and tendencies of a collective. In early fourteenth century there is a record of “notable” kingdoms that were civilized in this area of Africa. There were also various tribes that were categorized by warriors, and land that was needed of herds and flocks. The more stable tribes were known for the creation of the notable kingdoms. The notable tribes: The Kingdom of Loango The Congo Empire The Kingdom of Congo Kingdom of Ansika Bakuba Kingdom Some of these kingdoms had chiefs, for example, the Chief Mani-Congo of the Kingdom of Loango. In Bakuba, there was a hierarchy, a royal court that had six dignitaries, that were overseers of the militia, justice, and administration. The King of each kingdom was considered the highest royalty, specifically in the Kingdom of Bakuba. In Congo there were groups of royalty and tribes that were specifically categorized.

I) Class Structure and Ethicsà

The Kongo Kingdom was founded on a dynastical pretense; after being formed by Nimi aLukeni around 1390, the capital of Mongo dia Kongo or, “Mountain of Kongo” was established, surrounded by many self- governing provinces. Due to this scattering of population, the majority was classified as impoverished while those who were ascendants to the throne were considered royalty. There was a constant struggle for power in this kanda, or clan based society between the self-governing groups occupying the outlying states and the government within the capital. The capital was a densely settled area, in which the royals resided. According to Kongo’s oral tradition, the ancient peoples whose power and influence extended over most of the Kongo were The Bakuba group. Though the kingdom was ruled under and King, the governing system was secular, expressing the will of the people through a democratic system. The Bakuba hierarchy was composed of the king, ministers, the royal court and representatives. The King at the top, followed by his ministers or Kolomoas. The royal court was composed of six dignities, each responsible for different affairs such as matters in the military, justice, and administration. Representatives were selected on a professional and political basis. For example, those who were weavers, boat builders, net makers, musicians, and sculptors all held representative positions within the court.

II) Gender Rolesà

Though there is very little information on this topic, the roles of men and women seemed to be dictated by kinship principles. There was a desire to gain status through connecting oneself to the royal lineage line, either through ancestors or marriage. For example, one prevalent group at the time, the Bantu (another ancient Kongo group), passed on status through matriarchal succession. An interesting group was the Chibadi, who were males that took on the social status of women. These men were ashamed to be called so, and dressed and acted as females.

Citation of Sources: The Old Congo.John Henrik Clarke.Phylon (1960-),Vol. 23, No. 1 (1st Qtr., 1962), pp. 61-65.Published by: [|Clark Atlanta University] Article Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/274144