Ngoli in Congo, Democratic Republic of

Introduction / History

The Ngoli are a small Bantu group closely related to and possibly of common origin with the Dinga, Dzing, Nzadi and Lori, living along the south shore of the Kasai River. Speaking the Ngwii or Ngul language, they are considered linguistically semi-bantu—that is, speaking a language that has some, but not all, the common features of the Bantu language family. They also speak Kituba and French. Historically, they used shells and metal bars as money. Slaves amongst the Ngoli were not numerous, but could be acquired in war, by purchase, or through settlement of det.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Villages are composed of about 50 homes arranged on both side of a single street, about five yards apart, unenclosed. The huts are rectangular and elevated on piles. The front end is open, with three other walls of latticed palm ribs and gabled roofs thatched with palm. Each village has a chief, succeeded by a sister's son. Agriculture provides their main livelihood, with manioc as the staple crop, followed by bananas and maize, as well as some peanuts and sweet potatoes. Chickens and goats are kept for meat, but goats are not milked. Hunting and fishing are common, although over-hunting has depleted the land of most of its larger animals. Larvae, ants, wild fruits, honey and palm nuts are also important food sources, and palm nuts are used for trade. The men hunt, tend animals and clear the land. The women do all the other agricultural work and most of the fishing. Land is owned by clans. Inheritance is matrilineal with inheritance by mother's brother, then younger brother. Families were traditionally polygynous.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like many Congolese tribes, the Ngoli place great importance on the veneration of ancestors, who are believed to remain active in the spiritual world, influencing the lives of the living. Offerings, prayers and rituals are performed to honor them, seek their guidance, and maintain harmony between the living and the spirit realm. They use music, dance, and arts and crafts as expressions of spiritual life. Initiation rites are common to prepare youth for adulthood. In modern times, many Dinga have adopted Christianity, many Catholicism, but there is much syncretism blending Christian with traditional practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ngoli, like other Congolese, have been adversely affected by decaying infrastructure in the country. This includes lack of road maintenance, making it difficult to get crops to markets in population centers, lack of adequate health facilities and medicines, inadequate education, inflation and unemployment. Electricity is available only by privately owned generators or solar power. Few people own vehicles, so transportation is basically limited to foot paths and hand-paddled canoes on waterways.

Prayer Points

Pray God will care for the physical needs of the Ngoli.
Pray that the faith of Ngoli believers will grow deep and Christ-centered.
Pray that nominal Christians will experience the new birth in Christ.
Pray that the Ngoli church will find their place is spreading the gospel into all the world.

Text Source:   Joshua Project