"Ngo" is a kikongo name meaning leopard and which gave birth to the name of KONGO kingdom (Leopard kingdom) which became in modern times CONGO. Central to the history of the country as in the life of the Congolese, the leopard represents far more than just an emblem and a national symbol.
The etymology of "Kongo" means "ally of the leopard", derived from "ko-ngo".
It even arises the myth of the leopard chief, the protector of the realm according to which in case of serious dangers, the populations would rush to him to find refuge. "Tuele ku Ngo" they said. (Translate "We are going to the Leopard" in Kikongo language). So it was the short phrase "ku Ngo" that gave birth to Congo.
Considered since the night of time as a cunning animal, its beautiful skin that always makes dreaming is sacred in the Bantu tradition. The leopard's touch dresses the head of the customary chiefs as a crown. This symbolism is firmly rooted in the subconscious of the bantus.
In Kasai, big chefs are called "mukalenga wa nkashama" which means "mother leopard" or "leopard belly". And at the Otetela family, the chief receives on the day of his inauguration several badges closely related to the sacred animal: two leopard skins, a leopard skin hat, a necklace made of leopard teeth and a spear, all to legitimize his authority.
The panthera pardus (leopard) skin hairstyle has always been in Bantoue society one of the most important and solemn material symbols of traditional power bequeathed by deceased ancestors.
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