Definition and Portrait of Twere in Mbosi Oral Literature in Congo-Brazzaville
[1]
Mesmin Obah, Department of English Language and Literature, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China.
[2]
Luo Lianggong, Department of English Language and Literature, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China.
This text presents the problem of "Otwere", mbosi traditional literature in Congo-Brazzaville, one of literature, essentially oral, that has been influenced by other cultures. Today, despite this influence, many observers claim that it is at the heart of the productions of African literature. Of Congolese origin, Otwere is initially a form of expression of the oral culture. But, at the beginning of the first half of the nineteenth century with the proliferation of works by African authors in European languages, Otwere benefits from its first written form and is exported to more horizons. Like Humanism (1530-1600), a European literary movement whose the Thematic studied was based on education, war, death, body and romantic relationships, Otwere is interested in the themes of succession conflicts, problems of hierarchy, polygamy, juvenile delinquency, fertility, theft, etc. To solve all these issues, the Mbosi gathered around Otwere set up a set of customary laws. Each member of society observes them. Otwere, in its infancy, was a mere institution whose role was to ensure social justice. Over time, other functions totally related to management and economic development have been developed giving it a more scientific character, to be inserted among the social sciences. Its members are made up of "Twere" (judge of Otwere), "A ngo Twere" (master of the code), "A nga Kwephe" (holders of the game bag), "Abiali" the notables, and "Ndinga or Mwene" the majors of the notables. But we will be interested in the Twere, legatee of the powers of Otwere to solve the social disputes as well as other cases which can aggravate the social fabric. We will define his personality, the various assets he has and his organizational sense.
Otwere, Twere, Mbosi, Customary Law, Humanism
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