The Kuba people, also known as Bakuba or Bushongo, are a tribe found in central Africa, predominantly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and are known for their rich cultural heritage and distinct artistic style. Their culture, history, and art are an integral part of the African art world and deeply influence the art forms of the neighboring tribes.
The Kuba is located in the Kasai region, surrounded by fertile soil and woods that have historically supplied them with favored affluence. The Kuba kingdom, during the 17th and 18th centuries, evolved into a polity with organization, traditions, architecture, and culture. Well-differentiated, recognized by neighboring states. From the king (nyim) to the nobles, spiritual leaders, artisans, and farmers. Their social structure was pyramidal, and this was said to be the “secret” to establishing a full-fledged government.
Furthermore, it is believed that the Kuba possessed an unwritten constitution, separation of powers, elected governmental posts, taxes, laws, judges, juries, police, and a military. They also devised an agricultural calendar that enabled them to raise many harvests of maize each year! And an artistic output that is now known all across the world.
The Kuba monarchy drew on the techniques of its neighbors, such as the Pende weavings, and benefited from new products introduced from America: tobacco, beans, maize, and manioc. In other words, they were nourished by other cultures and absorbed new ideas, yet they constantly went beyond. Seeking perfection.
Furthermore, due to their geographical location, they were spared the slave trade in two ways: they were not frequently captured by slavers, and they did not participate in the human trade, which functioned more along the coast. It was not until 1884 that Europeans learned about the Congo’s Kuba Kingdom. When they arrived, Kot-a-Mbweeky II was the ruler. The present King Kuba is the 125th and has held the reign since 1969. His name is Kot-a-Mbweeky III. The rules for this king were straightforward.
In addition to the king, Kuba society is organized into lineages and clans, each with a distinct role. A system that already demonstrates a far higher level of organization than that of other people. The administration of the area they occupied, as well as the abilities of their many peoples (remember that “the Kuba” are an amalgamation of several peoples forming a kingdom), enabled the kingdom’s noble elite to gain vast wealth. And, as in many other civilizations, elites competed with one another by storing and displaying the artistic creations of the best craftsmen. A behavior similar to that of Renaissance and modern-day art fans and collectors. How similar humans are.
