Democrtic Republic of the Congo

Survival of Ancient Shamanism

During colonial times, attempts were made to suppress traditional religious practices that were regarded by the colonialists as uncivilized, primitive, and unworthy. In many places, this resulted in Congolese converting to the religious traditions of the colonial masters. However, despite these conversions, shamanistic practices endured. Some of them persisted as part of the new religious practices, especially when the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches authorized prayer groups that were able to incorporate shamanism.

These prayer groups were organized similar to traditional shamanistic consultations and, like traditional practices, contributed to healing divisions between individuals and dealing with social issues. In traditional customs, the community gathered around the shamans to communicate with ancestors and face social challenges. The shaman was the center for the reinforcement of the Vital Force and for ending the negative impact of witchcraft on the community. The shaman channeled blessings and protection, ensuring that the community members had decent lives, with enough protection and power to face possible enemies.

The ritual was organized following a public invitation that would gather the village around one or more shamans. A popular and highly rhythmic spiritual song was usually performed with the participation of all. Well-trained drum beaters would move from very simple rhythms to complex ones that would reach a climax, leaving many in a trance. The Mukishi, the shaman leader, was often the first to go into a trance and change his identity by bearing the name of the spirit present in him. This spirit took charge of social issues and provided the community with answers to questions regarding pharmacopeia, spiritual assistance, dream interpretation, and exorcism.

This traditional social dynamic was challenged by the introduction of Christian churches, in which the congregation listened to the priest or the pastor reciting prayers and reciting biblical verses. The pastor or the priest was regarded as the only one who could deal with social issues, and for a time, the focus of the community shifted from the shaman to the pastor or priest.

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