Lukasa (memory board)

heres a cool thingy I took a photo of at the Met museum tonight:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1271296&size=lg

Here's what the label says:

Memory Board (Lukasa)
Luba peoples;
Democratic Republic of the Congo
19th-20th century
wood, iron and beads

"A lukasa, or memory board, is used to instruct initiates of the Luba Mbudye
association about their cultural heroes, clan migrations, and the
introduction of sacred rule. The overall form is that of a kansanji, a
rectangular wood thumb piano with metal keys used to accompany songs
recounting Luba history and praising the founders of Luba kingship. The
design elements affixed to its surface in abstract configurations represent
aspects of Luba civilization, from icons of royal insignia and sacred
regalia to significant events in Luba history and myth. Protagonists from
the Luba origin myth, represented by different colors and configurations of
beads, are prominant features of the lukasa. Mbidi Kiluwe, the bringer of
culture, is indicated by blue beads (described as black) that evoke his
radiant shiny black skin."

I think its cool that this cosmic map in overlaid on a shape representing a
musical instrument that is used to sing the epic songs of their culture.

Dante

Monz!
now are we talking about 3 different countries, Zaire, Democratic Republic
of the Congo, and Central African republic.
Were they all not a part of the former belguim congo?

Dante Rosati wrote:

> heres a cool thingy I took a photo of at the Met museum tonight:
>
> http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1271296&size=lg
>
> Here's what the label says:
>
> Memory Board (Lukasa)
> Luba peoples;
> Democratic Republic of the Congo
> 19th-20th century
> wood, iron and beads
>

-- -Kraig Grady
North American Embassy of Anaphoria Island
http://www.anaphoria.com
The Wandering Medicine Show
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