Bushongo

The Bushongo are a central group within the Kuba people, who are a cluster of Bantu-speaking communities residing in southeastern Congo (Kinshasa) between the Kasai and Sankuru rivers. The Bushongo are significant as they form the ruling group of the Kuba kingdom, which was established around 1600. This kingdom operates as a federation of chiefdoms, with the Bushongo chief holding the position of king by divine right. The Kuba, including the Bushongo, primarily cultivate crops like corn, cassava, and beans, and are known for their skilled craftsmanship, particularly in raffia cloth and carved wooden items. They have largely maintained a traditional way of life, distinct from modern influences.1