Teke, Northern in Gabon
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| People Name: | Teke, Northern |
| Country: | Gabon |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 129,000 |
| World Population: | 231,000 |
| Primary Language: | Teke-Tege |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 28.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Northwest |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Northern Tekes speak Teke-Tege. Teke means “buy,” which is associated with merchants. They have been merchants for many years. They live in Gabon and Republic of Congo.
They had a powerful kingdom in the 1100s and 1200s. It was taken over by the Kingdom of Kongo in the 1400s. The French took over their homeland in the 1880s and kept it until liberation in the 1960s when Northern Teke life began to flourish again.
What Are Their Lives Like?
For many years the Northern Tekes have bred dogs and cats. The Chien Bateke is a lean hunting dog. They breed a cat with similar grey markings.
They are noted for being great traders, but most also farm and hunt for their food supply. Farm goods like maize, millet, and tobacco are among the things they trade. Others trade metal goods which their blacksmiths produce. Often they chose blacksmiths as their chiefs.
The Northern Tekes dry leaves and use them to make baskets, hats, and clothes. They have their own style of clothes which sets them apart from neighboring tribes.
Their masks have specific purposes. Some are for ceremonial purposes involving weddings, funerals, and initiation ceremonies.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most remain committed to their traditional religious beliefs in ancestral and nature spirits. Ancestral spirits can torment you if you don’t treat them properly. They believe in a supreme god named Nzami. Others practice voodoo, which involves casting spells and making blood sacrifices.
Though these ethnic religious practices dominate their worldview, there are also Christians among them, both Catholic and Protestant. There are not many evangelicals among them.
What Are Their Needs?
The Northern Tekes have been affected by Christianity, but they have not given themselves completely to Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit to bless the Northern Tekes soon.
Pray for Northern Teke disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to bless them with an abundant harvest, helping them to see God’s goodness and power.