All about history book of myths and legends. ( PDFDrive )

THE MAN OF PEACE

The Bushongo were a warlike people, skilled in

the use of weapons. But Shamba hated violence and

killing, and wanted to introduce his people to the

ways of peace. Soon after ascending the throne, he

issued an order banning the use of bows and arrows,

as well as the shongo, a type of throwing knife, in

battle. At first the people thought that criminals

would thrive under a king who did not allow the

use of weapons, but they were proved wrong.

Shamba tried harder than any king before him

to hunt down criminals and punish them harshly.

But he was not very keen on handing out the death

penalty, and would only do so as a last resort in the

case of the most hardened of ofenders.

The people saw that Shamba respected all his

subjects. He was especially mindful of women and

children, and severely punished anyone who tried to harm

them. Whenever people approached him with a problem

or a dispute, he would give good advice or ofer a fair

judgement. Ever since that time, Shamba has been held up

as the ideal ruler, an example that every Bushongo king has

attempted to follow – even though not all of them have been

as successful or as wise. His period of rule is often said to

have been a golden age by the Bushongo people.

THE MYTH

Shamba Bolongongo, a prince of the Bushongo

people, was very inquisitive and loved learning.

As heir to the throne, he realized that he would

be able to rule over his subjects more eiciently

if he knew more about them, their way of living,

and their needs. So when he was still young,

Shamba set out to journey far and wide. On

his many travels, he found out all that he could

about the diferent peoples who lived in his

kingdom and in the lands beyond his own.

The prince learned many things that he believed

would eventually help his own people to prosper

and to live peacefully and happily.

THE CULTURE HERO

When Shamba returned from his long journey

and became the king of his people, he taught them

many new skills that have been used ever since

among the Bushongo. The king showed them the

technique of making textiles out of raia fibres, and

how to turn these textiles into clothes. He taught them

how to prepare the nourishing cassava root properly,

ensuring that it was cooked well enough to remove the

poison that could be left behind in the plant. Shamba also

planted palm trees and used them for making oil. And

he introduced the Bushongo to tobacco smoking.

Wooden dagger

Shamba’s symbol of office was a dagger, though this was

merely a ceremonial weapon, as the king disliked violence

so intensely he would have used it only in extreme situations.

CENTRAL AFRICA

A myth of the Bushongo people of

the southeastern Congo region

describes the achievements of their

greatest ruler, Shamba Bolongongo,

who is seen both as a king and a

culture hero. Shamba, who was wise

and just, is said to have been a real

king who reigned in the 17th century,

a time when many tribes united to create

large and powerful political factions. He

was revered not only for his great wisdom,

but also because he avoided violence and

war, preferring to use his intelligence to

forge alliances or resolve disputes.

The Wise King

Shamba Bolongongo

This carved wooden sceptre depicts the king sitting on his

throne, chewing on a medicinal root. His crossed legs and

ritual nudity are typical of the Bushongo people.

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