The Mbundu (pronounced: em-boon'-doo) people are a group of people that historically and to this day, live in the country of Angola, Africa. Specifically, in the North Central region of Angola. They are the second largest enthnolinguistic group of Angola with an approximate population of 2,420,000.
Mbundu are also known as and called Kimundu. The history of Mbundu has been traced back to prehistoric times, up through the arrival of the Europeans on the African coast, and into modern day history by way of written records and oral history.
The Mbundu, who speak Kimundu, a Bantu language, established their dwellings along the northern banks of the Kwanza river. The Kwanza river is the only river of importance reaching between the coasts of Congo and Cuene. The significance of this river which involved trade and survival, precipitated the Mbundus settlement of this region.
Study of the Mbundu reveals they are culturally related to their neighbors to the north, the Kongo. The Kongo are historically (16th century) responsible for putting political pressure on the Mbundu, resulting in a manifestation of a ruler position called "ngola". The leadership of the ngola however, was destroyed by the Portuguese, who provoked warfare from the Mbundu, as well as forced slavery from the tribal people. The long contact with the Portuguese and Europeans, and restraints on inter tribal marriage, created a rather diverse culture among the Mbundu people.
Major tribes of the Mbundu are the Mbaka, Ndongo, and the Mbondo. In modern times (1970's) the Mbundu tribes provided a strong support for the Marxist-oriented movement of the Liberation of Angola. In 1976, the Liberation Movement gained power after the end of colonial rule by the Portuguese.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on the Mbundu.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL.
If you are Mbundu, your feedback is much appreciated.
Sources:
Birmingham,D.(1966) Trade and Conflict In Angola. Claredon Press: Oxford.
Adrian,E. (1962) The Ovimbundu Under Two Sovereignties. International African Institute: Oxford University
Internet: http://www.britannica.com
Written by: Mark Kurseth