Religion:
The Baka’s religion is animist. They worship a god called Komba ( which they believe is to be the creator of all things). The one they tend to worship more is called Jengi. Jengi is the spirit of the forest. Jengo has a larger role in Baka life and ritual. They view Jengi as a parental figure and guardian. When they move by Bantu villages their farmer neighbors they utilize the Baka people and they think they own the pygmies. Some of the groups manage to keep a strong culture and living a serene life. African Traditional Religionists that believe in the power bark and metamorphosis. Worship Komba and believe him to be god and the forest spirit “Jengi” . The Baka people think of Jengi as protecting father or guardian. Dancing and music plays an important role in their lives it is used to ease tension between communities and strengthen group unity.(Spirits of the Forest)They in general worship nature as if it is Komba. After they hunt, and are successful, the baka people worship Jengi with songs of thanksgiving and dancing. The Baka people believe that Jengi only appears when there is harmony between the villagers. (Pygmy; Baka people (Cameroon and Gabon))
Rights of Passage:
Young men are taught to fish due to their importance on fishing. And the young women practice beekeeping to obtain honey or "poki". Also. the young men ask Jengo to initiate them, once they get initiated by Jeng, the men have right to live, and walk freely among the forest. Death to the Baka is considered a misfortune, if one of them sees someone die, they are required to pray and dance to Jengi. The dance is called mbouamboua. (Baka people (Cameroon and Gabon)). The men of the villages form groups to preform rituals to stage the presence and actions of the spirits for women and children. Women also play a role in this ritual they sing songs to make the spirits dance. Men go through a Male Initiation Rite, it is where the elders turn the young boys into men and make them believe that they are disappearing but can also take on form. This rite is known to be very secretive and taken place for several days. The men are lathered with palm oil and colorful substances all natural from the forest. Another right of passage for the Baka would be, hunting but especially elephant hunters because that means that you have reached the pinnacle of society.
Rights of Passage:
Young men are taught to fish due to their importance on fishing. And the young women practice beekeeping to obtain honey or "poki". Also. the young men ask Jengo to initiate them, once they get initiated by Jeng, the men have right to live, and walk freely among the forest. Death to the Baka is considered a misfortune, if one of them sees someone die, they are required to pray and dance to Jengi. The dance is called mbouamboua. (Baka people (Cameroon and Gabon)). The men of the villages form groups to preform rituals to stage the presence and actions of the spirits for women and children. Women also play a role in this ritual they sing songs to make the spirits dance. Men go through a Male Initiation Rite, it is where the elders turn the young boys into men and make them believe that they are disappearing but can also take on form. This rite is known to be very secretive and taken place for several days. The men are lathered with palm oil and colorful substances all natural from the forest. Another right of passage for the Baka would be, hunting but especially elephant hunters because that means that you have reached the pinnacle of society.