Ngbaka (Bouaka, Bwaka, Gbaka, Mbaka, Nbaka), Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic

Ceremonial male figure. 400,000 to 800,000 Ngbaka inhabit the swampy area of the outer bend of the Congo River, in northwest DRC. Their settlements were dispersed and lack of overall political organization; a hamlet would generally be made up of an extended family or patrilineal clan. They practiced slash-and-burn agriculture growing manioc, maize, sorghum and bananas and lived off fishing and hunting. They also raise chickens and goats. Their settlements are dispersed and lack an overall political organization; a hamlet would generally be made up of an extended family or patrilineal clan. They believed in a god, Gale, creator of the first ancestor, Setu, and his sister, Nabo, and they worshipped the spirits of nature. The Ngbaka had a special system of initiation, gaza: “that which gives strength.” Future initiates had to undergo trials of physical endurance and would attain a first level of knowledge by means of song and corporeal techniques, particularly choreographic turns. This figure could be used by the bendo (diviner) in magical ceremonies connected to the initiation.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 17½”, W. 5”, D. 4”

Price: $200+$29 (S&H)                                        [#G1N9S825]