Congo River - Vol 2 Sneak Peek

Standing on the upper banks of the Congo River near the city of Kisangani, above the choppy, murky, brown water, wooden poles jut out of scarcely visible rocks. Brief glimpses of vines running pole to pole can be caught as the water rhythmically gives way and then bubbles up again.

Suspended from these vine-like ropes are wicker baskets placed at 45o to the water; partly held in place by their tenuous sinews and half held at such an angle by the sheer force of the river, they catch their quarry as fish are carried by the rapids into these rattan-esque traps where the constant wall of water makes escape impossible. This is the 200-year-old method of fishing used by the Wagenya. Standing on small craft carved out of trees they paddle into the menacing current to the middle of the river where they disembark. To get from net to net they must jump from this collection of rocks into the fast flowing waters and grab ahold of the rope to pull themselves along. A dangerous job done skillfully by men that learn their craft from a young age.

The Congo River has provided for humans for thousands of years. First for the forest-dwelling Pygmy peoples, and later by Bantu tribes who created settlements along the river, the biggest tribe being the Kongo, from which the river and nation takes its name. Since then, it’s been the main highway for indigenous trade, early Portuguese settlers, colonial Belgian and German forces, and present-day domestic travel.

There are, however, more recent ways that this incredible waterway provides life for many, as well as ancient, natural ways that the river provides for more than just local needs…

Article: Pat Sargent

Artwork: Leoni Fretwell