Lunda

Former empire located west of the current Katanga, conquered by the Belgians, the English and the Portuguese. The emperor was chosen by the council of nobles and wise men. His position was not hereditary. Trade and military expeditions were the two main pillars of the empire, which also extended to Angola. The regions had to pay a tribute to the emperor. They also traded with slaves who were sent to Brazil. As all animists believe in a supreme god Nzamb Katang, they practice worship of ancestors and forces of nature. Mukanda is also for them the rite of initiation that culminates with circumcision, yet they do not practice excision.