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During the 17th century the Pende were pushed northwards to avoid incorporation into Queen Jinga's and other predatory Angolan states. They settled in the region near the Laongo and Kasai rivers. Two centuries later, the Chokwe, migrating northewards from Angola invaded the Pende territory, but were later pressurized by the Belgian colonial rulers to return the annexed land to the Pende.
The Pende numbering around 500,000 and are mostly farmers. The men assist in the clearing of the lands, and contribute with the occasional hinting and fishing, however, majority of the farmwork is done by the women, who are wholly responsible for selling of goods at community markets. Their crops consist mainly of plantains, millet, maise and peanuts. They are governed by family chiefs (djigo)who are sometimes assisted by various nobles.
Their system is mainly controlled by lineage and matrimony.On a spirtitual level, the Pende revere their ancestors who are placated through various rituals and ceremonies. The head of the family is responsible for taking care of the shrines and keeping the spirits happy.Masquerading plays a very important role in the lives of the Pende, during the Belgian occupation of the region (1908-1960), the dances and beating drums gave the people an escape where they could achieve an "alter ego" and talk out against the identity that was imposed by the state. They refer to the "dancing of a mask, never to the wearing of a mask.
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