Argobba people

Loi / Baloi

Loi / Baloi

The Baloi of Democratic Republic of the Congo are numbering 39,000 (Peoplegroups.org, 2024)

This people group is only found in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their primary language is Baloi.

Loi People

The Baloi are part of the Bangi group and are on the border between Congo (l.eopoldville) and Congo (Brazzaville).

Other Bangi tribes are the following:

  1. Bangi (Abango, Babangi, Bobangi, Bobangui, Boubanghi, Bobangui, Bubangi).
  2. Bochi (Babochi), embracing the Kuyu (Kouyou) and Makua (Makoua)
  3. Furu (Apfourou, Bafourou, Bafuru).
  4. Irebu (Eleku).
  5. Likuba (Likouba)
  6. Linga (Bachinga, Balinga, Balingo)
  7. Loi (Baloi, Ballohi, Balloi, Baloy, Balui) (Perhaps better included with the Boloki)
  8. Mboko (Mampolo)
  9. Ngiri (Bangili, Bangirl)
  10. Nunu (Banunu), the only tribe of the group on the left bank of the Congo.

 

Basic Economy

Though they practice agriculture, the tribes of this group subsist largely by fishing and trade on the Congo and its tributaries. Their principal crops are manioc and bananas, but sweet potatoes also are grown. Goats, pigs, dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks are raised

 

Property

Canoes are important possessions.
Property is inherited patrilineally. The preferred heir among the Kuyu is the eldest son.

 

Social Stratification

Slaves are kept, and the slave trade was formerly very important.

 

Settlement Pattern

The Bangi live in large settlements (sometimes 1,500 to 3,000 inhabitants) on the water's edge. Huts are built on mounts in water that is deep enough for canoes. The Loi live in elongated villages, formerly palisaded, consisting of long rectangular huts grouped in pairs with intervals between pairs. The Nunu live in pile dwellings

 

State

The Bangi and Furu are divided into subtribes, each with a paramount chief.

 


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