Central Africa

Kongo Religion

Also known as: Bukongo

Kongo, BaKongo — Democratic Republic of Congo

Supreme Creator

Nzambi Mpungu

Also: Nzambici

Core Beliefs

• Dikenga dia Kongo cosmogram — cyclical existence through four stages
• Two interconnected worlds (Ku Nseke physical, Ku Mpèmba spiritual)
• Kalûnga — primordial force connecting worlds
• Ancestor veneration (Bakulu)
• Nature spirits (Simbi, Nkita, Nkisi, Kilundu)
• Nkisi power objects imbued with spiritual force
• Sacredness of the forest (Mfinda)

Key Figures

Nzambi Mpungu — Supreme creator

Simbi — Water spirits, guardians and intermediaries

Divination System

Nganga ritual specialists

Priesthood

Nganga (ritual specialist)

Sacred Texts & Traditions

• Nkisi traditions (material texts)
• Dikenga dia Kongo cosmogram

Diaspora Connections

Palo Mayombe (Cuba)Quimbanda (Brazil)Hoodoo influences

Related Traditions

Palo Mayombe Quimbanda Hoodoo / Conjure Gullah Geechee Spirituality

Scholarly References

Met Museum — Kongo Power Figures ↗Yale — Kongo Across the Waters ↗