The Luba-Hemba, otherwise known as the Eastern Hemba or Eastern Luba, live on the eastern side of the DRC primarily along the plains, hills, and marshes of the Lualaba River, and speak the Hemba language. They migrated to the east from the Luba Empire in the southern Kasai Provinces sometime after 1600 A.D. Their society is based around clans tracing from a common ancestor.
The clan chiefs are the pillars of authority, commanding absolute power over their subjects. They are reinforced by ancestor figures, whose images are housed either in their homes or in dedicated shrines. Every clan also venerates the Kabeja, a dual-faced, male and female statuette. It represents the communion of spirits and the physical world. The chiefs call on them for wisdom and favor. The chief also acts as judge, holding court in his own home, and ensuring that traditions passed on by the ancestors are observed. Possessing many images is a status symbol. Counteracting the chief's near complete authority are secret societies—the Bukazanzi for men and the Bukibilo for women, the So'o society which is represented by the chiseled form of a chimpanzee mask, and diviners, who are highly respected. The society is matrilineal. It is highly known and regarded for its sculpture, which predominantly focuses of images of male ancestors.
They traditionally venerated two Gods—Vidiye Mukulu, the Creator God, and ShimuGabo, the supreme being who is the active spiritual authority in daily life, the one who oversees justice and morality. He is invoked in rituals and oaths. Today almost all Hemba claim Christianity, chiefly in the form of Roman Catholicism. Most still struggle, however, with putting all of their faith in Jesus Christ rather than in the spirit world.
Tense relations with the Lunda people have sometimes escalated into violence. They live in a high-conflict area where there is much unrest. There is very limited infrastructure in the way of roads, healthcare facilities, and schools.
Pray that Bible believing churches will grow in numbers and deepen in faith.
Pray that pastors and church leaders will be faithful and lead their churches well.
Pray that nominal Christians may experience the new birth and look to the scriptures as the source of their doctrine and teaching.
Pray that the churches may become strong and take their place in world mission.
References
Scripture Prayers for the Luba-Hemba, Eastern Luba in Congo, Democratic Republic of.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
