MEMORY BOARD (LUKASA)

Lukasa:
Date: 19-20th Century
Place of Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo
Culture: Luba people
Materials: Wood, beads, and shells

FORM

• Interior carved relief, others studded with beads
• Projections on edge
• Exterior carved in zig-zag form

CONTENT

• Each bead corresponds to an actual location
• Human faces represent important figures
• Zig-zag pattern/ tortoise shell symbolizes royal family
• Projections on edges describe the relationship between the diviners and chiefs of the Luba government

CONTEXT

• Luba diviners would assigned points to different designs on the board
• Designs traced with right forefinger during storytelling
• Mdubye council would keep the king in check by using lukasa to solve problems in the kingdom

OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE LUBA

• Part of the Bantu people, largest population in the Congo
• Entire religion based in oral tradition
• Had considerable influence on local customs and culture

POEM: A BOARD FOR THE BORED

• One of many objects full of history and lore To cure that boredom everyone's felt before It holds together all of organized society So look at it in all its piety Rooted deep in oral tradition Rules for government and royal recognition While savagery it does prohibit It can be found in an American exhibit