Luba Memory Codes explores the ingenious methods employed by the pre-literate Luba Kingdom of Central Africa to preserve and transmit their history and governance. Lacking a written language, the Luba people developed sophisticated memory aids, most notably the lukasa, a wooden board adorned with beads and carvings. These served as mnemonic devices, enabling trained specialists (basangwa) to recount intricate narratives and legal precedents. This book delves into the Luba's system of indigenous knowledge, highlighting their capacity for abstract thought.
The book examines the lukasa in detail, deciphering its symbolic language and demonstrating its function as a memory aid. It also considers the broader cultural context, including oral traditions and initiation ceremonies, that reinforced the memory codes. By understanding these elements, readers gain insight into the complex governance structures of the Luba Kingdom, which flourished from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Organized into three parts, Luba Memory Codes first introduces the Luba Kingdom, then analyzes the lukasa and finally explores the social context of memory in Luba culture. Through a combination of historical accounts, museum collections, and ethnographic research, the book offers a nuanced perspective on pre-colonial African history and challenges conventional views reliant solely on written records. This interdisciplinary approach will appeal to scholars, students, and anyone interested in African history, cultural preservation, and the fascinating world of mnemonic devices.
