The Hemba people (or Eastern Luba) are a Bantu ethnic group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  During the 18th century, the Hemba people, led by their chief Niembo, migrated from the south-west, and settled on the right bank of the Lualaba River, in a region of fertile savannah. Today, they are divided into large clans which, by definition, are families with a common ancestor. The hereditary chief of each clan is called the Fumu Mwalo and is the keeper of the ancestor figures. He renders justice and his status as clan head means that he has a privilege of receiving numerous gifts.

The Hemba live mostly from farming manioc, sesame, yams, and beans. Secret societies such as Bukazanzi for the men and Bukibilo for the women counterbalance the Fumu Mwalo’s power.

Source:  Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.