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

THE CULTURE HERO’S GIFTS
Shamba was credited with introducing a number of skills
into the lives of his people that later proved beneficial. It
is uncertain if these innovations were introduced by the
actual 17th-century king on whom the story is based.
Items like cassava and tobacco came from the Americas
in the 16th century, so the story could well be based on
fact. Raia, however, is native to Africa, and the historical
Shamba may have pioneered its use in making textiles.

PEACE AND JUSTICE

In traditional West African societies, arguments or disputes

between two people or families were resolved by the head

of the village. Similarly, disputes on a larger scale would be

resolved by the king. People looked up to these leaders

because of the authority that their status gave them, an

authority that was often enhanced by the belief that the

leaders were linked to ancestors and gods. Subjects used

to obey their rulers because the ruler had the power to

enforce his will, but when a king had a personal reputation

for wisdom, his judgements were respected all the more.

THE PEOPLE’S GAME

Another innovation popularized by Shamba was

a game called Lele or Mancala. Shamba devised it

because he found out that his people were addicted

to gambling. Wishing to encourage them to take up

a safer amusement, he introduced Lele. Claimed by

some to be the world’s oldest board game, Lele, in

fact, originated in the Arab world and made its way

across Africa. It is played using a board with small

depressions (about 32 in number), in which the

players put small counters, nuts, or stones, which

need to be accumulated during the game.

THE BUSHONGO

The Bushongo, dominant among the Kuba people

of Central Africa, have existed as a federation of

tribes since the 16th century. They have a rich

mythology, centred on many spirits of nature and

past kings. Their creation myth narrates how

Bumba, the supreme

deity, vomited up

the sun, moon, and

stars, followed by

animals and the

first human, Woot.

He then handed

over the world

to the human

race. During

ritual ceremonies,

every king wears a

Moshambwooy mask,

representing Woot, the

primary ancestor.

Moshambwooy mask

Raffia fabric
The fibrous leaves and branches of the raffia
palm are useful for making ropes, roof coverings,
and other items, but are most commonly seen
in boldly patterned fabric.

Tobacco plant

European merchants shipped

tobacco from America to West

Africa in the 1560s, after which

it may have been promoted by

local rulers such as Shamba.

Shongo

Banning the shongo,

or throwing knife, a

traditional Bushongo

weapon, was crucial

in ushering in an era

of peace among the

peoples of the region.

Playing Lele

The game of lele is played by two people. Different boards

have different numbers of depressions, but the objective

remains constant – to win more counters than an opponent.

Cassava
Once introduced, this plant quickly spread across Africa,
becoming a staple food. The right way of cooking the plant,
by detoxifying it, was said to be one of Shamba’s gifts.

THE WISE KING

KILL NEITHER MAN, WOMAN,

NOR CHILD. ARE THEY NOT

THE CHILDREN OF CHEMBE

[GOD], AND HAVE THEY NOT

THE RIGHT TO LIVE? Shamba Bolongongo

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