- Bakota
The Bakota (or Kota) are a Bantu
ethnic group from the northeastern region ofGabon . The language they speak is callediKota , but is sometimes referred to as Bakota, ikuta, Kota, and among theFang , they are known as Mekora. The language has several dialects, which include: Ndambomo, Mahongwe, Ikota-la-hua, Sake, Menzambi, Bougom. Some of these dialects themselves include regional variations of some kind.The Kota are traditionally a
patriarchal society, however some of the sub-groups such as the Mahongwe have over time adopted amatrilineal system of lineage (Mahongwe means, "from your father").The true meaning of Bakota is unclear, however it may be derived from the word kota, which means to bind/to attach/to link, hereby suggesting they view themselves as a united people bound by a common fate.
The Kota occupy the
Ogouee-Ivindo province in northeastern Gabon. Some families do spill over to neighboringCongo-Brazzaville , and related groups such as theBatanga are also found inCameroon .They are noted for their
copper andbrass reliquary guardian figures, which are part of a powerful religious and mystical order known as Bwete. Another key feature of the Kota people is the originality of its circumcision and widow-purification rituals, which are generally kept secret.Politically, the Kota have been classified under the disputed "stateless societies" category. They have a strong egalitarian background, which in some instances cuts across age and gender lines. Kota children are taught to value tradition, respect for the elderly, and the concept of "Ewele" (loosely translated as 'pride').
The Kota are not considered big players in Gabonese politics, however some Kota have been appointed to key positions in the Government.
Alexandre Sambat , a long-time ambassador to theUnited States who later ran for president in 1993, was of Kota origin. Pascal Desire Misongo, another Kota, has served as minister of Justice in Gabon.External links
* [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=koq Ethnologue report for language code:koq]
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