Arsene Arsene Ondo-Eyeghe

History and traditions of the Ngowe peoples of Gabon Arsene Arsene Ondo-Eyeghe

In the history of Gabon, in more than one way, the Ngowé constitute a real paradox. Indeed, today they are unknown, but they are one of the few peoples of Gabon; they were among the most advanced peoples. Today, the Ngowé appear as a miserable, backward people. However, they were once an integral part of the Kingdom of Loango. The Ngowé are now ignored, even denied, by some and are considered a negligible quantity. The present document is therefore part of this concern to make known a formidable people and to help them to reconquer their identity and thus regain their rank among the other Gabonese ethnic groups. This study does not deal with the history and traditions of the Ngowé people in depth or in a global manner. It only deals with the part of this history retained by tradition and some aspects of the Ngowé civilisation.