Dances across the boundary: Banande and Bakonzo in the twentieth century

Abstract

Banande and Bakonzo, in the Rwenzori area, have a similar language and a similar music. They consider themselves as descents from the Baiyra, who lived in the western part of Uganda in pre-colonial times. At the end of the nineteenth century the colonial boundaries between the British Protectorate of Uganda and the Belgian Congo divided the Banande (Congolese) from the Bakonzo (Ugandan). This article focuses on their dances. Comparing data from field research done among both Banande and Bakonzo, it underlines similarities and differences in repertoire and style. An important group of ritual dances, linked to the cycle of life (birth, circumcision, funeral), is still shared by the two populations, while others are not. Some historical factors are important in the persistence or the absence of dances linked to the pre-colonial possession cult, Kubandwa. Internal factors were also an important element in the evolution of dances connected with political power. Post-colonial national educational politics have also played their part in promoting specific dances rather than others. In many cases the variance in choreography, motives, styles and body attitudes are consequences of the recent uncommon and unshared history of creativity and artistic influences, which the Banande and Bakonzo experienced during the last century.