The Mangbetu refers  to an amalgam of linguistically and culturally-related people in northeastern D

The Mangbetu refers  to an amalgam of linguistically and culturally-related people in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The group comprises of the Mangbetu, Meegye, Makere, Malele, Popoi and Abelu. The language of the Mangbetu is referred to as Kingbetu.The Mangbetu were once known for their elongated heads. The custom of skull elongation was known as lipombo and it was seen as a status symbol among the ruling class. The practice was outlawed by the Belgian government. The process of elongating the skull began at birth. The baby’s head was tightly wrapped with a cloth until the desired shape had been achieved. This practice does not hurt the child, as a child’s skull bones are relatively soft. Skull shaping was also practiced by the Maya and Egyptians.Although the practice was outlawed by European colonialists, who invaded the country in the 1950s, some members of the Mangbetu tribe still practice it to date. While some people are opposed to this practice, fearing that it might affect a child’s brain development, experts have ruled out such possibilities, insisting that the brain is capable of adapting and developing into any shape of the skull. They say the brain, being an elastic organ, can grow or expand into the desired shape without any form of damage or deformity. Nonetheless, the cosmetic changes done to the skull are permanent. Mangbetu women also wear a distinctive coiffure to highlight their artificially elongated skulls.1. Mangbetu woman by Casimir Zagouski -- source link

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