The Bambara themselves are perhaps only a distinct branch of the original Mandingo stock.
The tribes represented include Jamans, Wongaras and Mandingos (q.v.), some of whom are Moslems. The Mandingos have intermarried largely with the Bambara or Sienuf, an agricultural people of more than average intelligence widely spread over the country, of which they are considered to be the indigenous race.
Among the minor exports is that of bambara or sea-slugs, which are sent to Hong-Kong and Singapore.
North of the Lukuga river the main chain throws out into the central zone, in a north-westerly direction, a secondary range known as the Bambara Mountains, which forms one of the boundaries of the Manyema country.