We Remember Congo

On a rainy day with nothing to do, why don’t you bring out your Lukasa memory board?

All Around This World's Lukasa Memory Board

We end our week of music class in the Congo by playing a game. The Luba people of Central Africa archive their cultural identity using traditional form of art known as the “lukasa memory board.” The wooden board is a literal platform for capturing an important community memory. Artists start with a blank board then attach beads, shells and other available materials in traditionally metaphoric patterns. Those who can interpret the patterns understand them as a way to tell a story about a particular chiefdom, such as its major historical events, structures and philosophical beliefs.

All Around This World has created a game based upon the memory board, giving you and your kids the chance to make memories like the Luba. Learn how to play here.

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