HUMBE

'Closely related dialect groups, the Humbe is consists of a number of smaller tribes. Covering quite a large territory from the western parts of the Huila district, the Humpata plateau and the upper Cunene valley, the Humbe is part of the Nyaneka cluster of peoples.

Although herding is the preferred way of life, subsistence is almost equally based on herding and agriculture. Agriculture is considered to be a woman's work. Each tribe has its own pasture reserve, moving every three to six years when new pasture is needed or when the huts were destroyed by storms. Former residential areas are then fertilized and the land is then cultivated.

One of Angola's most conservative people groups, the Humbe has resisted the influence of the Ambo herders to the south and the Ovimbundu to the north in the early nineteenth century. European idealogies are also met with resistance. Men who have left to work in the towns and cities of Angola integrate well into their traditional way of life upon their return, bringing with them little impetus for change.

Christianity has also had little impact on the people. Catholic missionaries have been active in the area since 1881, yet there is still no indigenous Humbe church.

• Country: Angola
• Population (year): 11.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 84.6%
• Percent Evangelical: 8.4%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open

'1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them: 5*% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 20* persons (total believers - 5 000*)(5*%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

There are no indigenous Humbe churches.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Translation is in progress.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

The Humbe is one of Angola's most conservative peoples.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Radio: No

Literature: No

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

No, the Humbe resists all new ideas.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes. Life changing gospel presentations are needed.