Songye people

The Bassonge, also known as Songye Songye or are, an African nation that lives in the province of Kasai - Oriental, Democratic Republic of Congo in the district of Cabinda. 1985, the number of Bassonge was estimated at 150000-217000, who lived on both sides of Lualabaflusses.

History

According to the traditions of the Bassonge Bassonge arrived in the 15th century at the headwaters of the Lualaba and subdued the local population. In the 16th century a part of the Bassonge separated from the tribe and forms the nation of youwill since that time.

Language and tribal administration

The language of Bassonge is the Bantu language Kisongye. The supreme power in the traditional tribal culture is the Yakitenge. At the local level, the chiefs are called Sultani Ya Muti.

Culture and Crafts

The traditional economy of the Bassonge based on agriculture and animal husbandry. They are known for their woodcarving, which finds its most famous expression in the production of Zeremonialmasken, magic figures like nail fetishes and other objects for the exercise of ceremonies. Only men traditionally went with a poisoned arrow to hunt. As a signaling instrument mostly use the hunter a wooden ocarina ( epudi, Pl mapudi ).