YAKA
Traditionally a warlike tribe, the Jaga raided, captured and plundered the capital of the Mbata (Kongo) kingdom in the sixteenth century. Today the Yaka is being identified with this old tribe.
Settling among the Kongo, Tsamba, Teke, and Pindi peoples, marrying their women, and incorporating their youth, the Yaka became less and less nomadic. Another Kongo tribe, the Suku, lost their cultural identity in a considerable way and became assimilated to the Yaka.
When the Luwa arrived, spearheading the advance of the Mwato Yamvo (Lunda) empire, the Yaka took advantage of the situation and grew in wealth. Kiamfu, their capital town, paid tribute to the Mwato Yamvo empire.
Being a primarily agricultural society, manioc is the staple food. Maize and groundnuts are also cultivated. They also keep goats, chickens and cattle although the latter is not milked. Women are not allowed to eat eggs. Even though the Yaka is a agricultural society, their warlike instincts still prevail. Aggressive wars of conquest continue and prisoners are sold as slaves.
Agriculture is the women's work, but the men clear the land. Inheritance is matrilineal by the eldest surviving brother. Both property and debt are inherited. Women are excluded from inheriting.
Polygamy is the rule. Each wife has her own hut and the husband spent each night in a different hut. One's bloodline determines the village to which one belongs to; one belongs to the village of one's mother's brother.
Scattered rectangular huts with gable roofs form a settlement or community. Non-relatives are not permitted in any community. Village or clan chiefs are the rulers and succession is matrilineal."
- Population (year): 41.8 million (1995)
- Major Religion: Christian
- Percent Christian: 95.9%
- Percent Evangelical: 21%
- Openness to Missionaries: Open"
1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?
Who is Jesus Christ to them? 8% Believe Jesus is the Son of God
2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?
Believers to population: 1 believer to every *13 persons (total believers - *16 000)
3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?
Churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons (total churches - ?)
4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?
Bible portions are available.
5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?
The poor infra structure and under development of the country.
6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Don't no.
7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?
It seems that the Yaka are slowly opening up towards change
8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?
Yes, the gospel needs to be presented in a clear and understandable way. Church planting efforts are also required."
