Bakongo
They migrated to their current location in the 13th century. The Bakongo tribes are along the Atlantic coast of Africa. There are 10,220,000 numbered at the end of the 20th century. Their language is part of the Benue-Congo, a branch of Niger and Congo languages. They cultivate cassava, bananas, corn, sweet potatoes, peanuts, beans, and taro. Bakongo peoples' cash crops are coffee, cacao, urena, bananas, and palm oil. Fishing and hunting for food is still practiced but most work in town to earn money for food.
Their most prolific art is nkisi objects, and come in all shapes, mediums, and sizes. Nkisi was one of the only forms of art available. The structure of their society made art geared toward high society. Bakongo descents are through the female's blood line. The tribes are grouped in lineages. Each village has its own leader. One of the main characteristics of their social organization is fragmentation. Almost every village is independent of their neighbors.
Their most prolific art is nkisi objects, and come in all shapes, mediums, and sizes. Nkisi was one of the only forms of art available. The structure of their society made art geared toward high society. Bakongo descents are through the female's blood line. The tribes are grouped in lineages. Each village has its own leader. One of the main characteristics of their social organization is fragmentation. Almost every village is independent of their neighbors.
