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Difficulty: MediumMnemonic Devices and Record Keeping

The *lukasa* memory boards of the Luba people are carved from wood and studded with multi-colored beads, shells, and metal pins. How does a trained specialist manipulate this physical iconography to recount history during a performance?

  1. By tracing the raised beads, shells, and metal pins with the index finger to stimulate memory, translating the tactile configurations into dynamic narratives of migration, royal lineage, and political history.Answer
  2. B
    By reading the board as a literal topographic map of Luba territory, where the physical placement of each bead corresponds to a permanent geographic coordinate or settlement.
  3. C
    By displaying the board on a royal shrine as a static decorative plaque, where the color patterns of the beads are visually contemplated by the public without tactile interaction.
  4. D
    By hammering new metal pegs and nails into the wood during the performance to activate the board's spiritual power and swear oaths of loyalty to the king.

Answer

By tracing the raised beads, shells, and metal pins with the index finger to stimulate memory, translating the tactile configurations into dynamic narratives of migration, royal lineage, and political history.
The correct option is correct because the lukasa is a tactile memory board. Members of the Luba Mbudye Society read the board by holding it in their left hand and tracing the raised beads, shells, and metal pins with their right index finger. This tactile interaction helps them recall oral traditions, royal genealogies, and political narratives, which they perform and interpret dynamically for their audience.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary function of the Luba lukasa memory board.
The lukasa is established as a mnemonic device used by the Luba Kingdom to record and transmit oral history.
This establishes the core functional category of the object.
2
Analyze how the physical elements (beads, shells, wood carving) are engaged during its use.
A specialist from the Mbudye Society reads the board by running their fingers over its surface, using tactile feedback to recall historical events and genealogies.
This links the physical design of the lukasa to its performance context.
3
Differentiate this tactile mnemonic function from other African art objects.
The tactile mnemonic reading of the lukasa is distinguished from the visual display of static plaques or the physical activation (driving nails) of Kongo power figures.
This eliminates incorrect options based on common art historical misconceptions.

Key Concept

The Luba lukasa is a tactile mnemonic device read by members of the Mbudye Society to dynamically recount history.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Mnemonic Devices and Record Keeping

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