Lukasa (memory board)
Artist Unknown
c. 19th – 20th century
The Lukasa memory board, found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is made up of wood, beads and metal. The Lukasa board is small enough to hold in the hand, and has carved geometric designs on the back and side. It also includes complex cluster of beads of different sizes with colors faded over time. Their placement with each other creates a symbolic meaning. The board is narrow in the middle so it is easier to hold. Lukasa was a mnemonic device used to recall information cocncerning geneology, ceremonies, and the past of society. The board explains what kingship is and reveal information about the lives and contributions of some authorities. Often times, they used their knowledge of the past to help solve their current issues. The Mbudye was a council of men and women created in the 17oo’s with a job to preserve and interpret the political and historical systems of the Luban society. The people in this council passed through stages within society as they mastered their skills of the knowledge used to decipher this board. Only the top of society had the skill to read from this board, making this task worth of major importance in the world of the Luba.
“World Art.” Annenberg Learner, www.learner.org/courses/globalart/work/214/index.html. Accessed 30 Sept. 2017.
“Lukasa (Memory board) (Luba peoples).” Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/africa-ap/a/lukasa-memory-board-luba-peoples. Accessed 30 Sept. 2017.
Source, Primary. “Resources. Preserving Culture and History in Africa. Lukasa.” Lukasa – Preserving Culture and History in Africa – Resources at Primary Source, Inc., resources.primarysource.org/content.php?pid=144239&sid=1226875. Accessed 30 Sept. 2017.