Reconstruction:Proto-Bantu/-kúma

This Proto-Bantu entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Bantu

Etymology

Cognate with Adangme okumo (ritual priest chief) and Akan ɔkɔmfo (priest).

Verb

*-kúma (infinitive *kʊ̀- )[1]

  1. to be honoured, to be revered
  2. to be rich

Descendants

From kúma:

  • Basaa:
    • Ewondo (A72): nkukuma (king)
  • Bushoong (C83): kúm (chief)

From kúmú:

  • Kongo (H16): mfumu (lord, king)
  • Bemba (M42): imfumu (king)
  • Mongo (C61): nkúmú (chief, king)
  • Sukuma (F31): lukumo (fame)
  • Luban:
  • Great Lakes Bantu:
    • Nyoro (J11): omufumu (medicine man, royal advisor)
    • Nyankole (J13): omufúmu (medicine man)
    • Haya (J22): omufûmu (medicine man)
    • Nande (J42): omúkumu (medicine man, witchdoctor)

References