History:   

The Bembe originate from the northwest forests of
Congo (Zaire). They are representative of numerous ethnic traditions
including Lega, pre-Lega, Boyo-Kunda, and Bemba. They are a tough and proud
people who absorbed other populations and their systems of thought in the process
of carving out their current homeland in a time of widespread conflict and
under economic pressure from European invaders and slave traders during the
19th century. Their desire for more land continues to result in conflict in
the area today.

Types of
Art:

The Bembe carve numerous kinds of wooden figures that
represent various spirits. They also carve several different kinds of masks,
the most notable being antelope horn masks (elande). Knives, staffs, fly
whisks, and divination gourds are also often decorated.

Political
Systems:

Although there is no centralized local authority in
Bembeland, government is run quite effectively through a large number of
patrilineal clans. The bwami society, which is made up of the influential men
in the community, is responsible for making the political, economic, and
judicial decisions which affect the community.

Religion: 

Religion is based on individual and lineage ancestor
cults. The Bembe have also absorbed many of the religious ideas of their
neighbors. They honor nature spirits (bahomba), the earth spirit (m'ma), and
the spirit of Lake Tanganyika, Mkangualukulu, among others.