Bangubangu is a tribe from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, primarily in the Kabambare Territory; they speak the Bangubangu language.
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Religion
The Bangubangu recognize a supreme god (Vilie Nambi), and religious worship is focused on the ancestors. Shrines are built to appease family spirits, and there is a strong belief in Mujimu spirits who serve as an intermediary between man and god. Strong Islamic influence is also seen in the region, particularly in fear of malevolent spirits (djinns), who must be appeased. Within Bangubangu communities, diviners, blacksmiths, and waganga are invested with religious power.
History
The Bangubangu are now thought to have a shared history with other early hunters (pre-Bembe hunters) who passed through the region, including the Bembe, Buyu, northern Hemba, and Holoholo. All of these peoples share similar carving styles that venerate the ancestors. They originated in the southeast around the Lualaba River and migrated in several waves to their current location near Lake Tanganyika. Like the Hemba, they have also been greatly influenced by their contact with the Luba. During the 19th century they cooperated with Moslem slave traders from the eastern coast and helped to establish a trading post at Kabambare. The population has been seriously reduced due to wars, slavery, and sickness, resulting in very few surviving examples of Bangubangu sculpture.
Art
The Bangubangu carve freestanding anthropomorphic sculptures, which are characterized by coffee bean shaped eyes and pointed beards. Women also produce high quality pots that are sold in the local markets for profit.