The Luba Lukasa divinatory board is a central instrument of the Luba people, crafted for the Mbudye ritual society to preserve and transmit historical, genealogical, and spiritual knowledge. This portable wooden tablet is meticulously decorated with beads, nails, shells, and carved incisions, forming intricate coded patterns that activate oral memory during divination and ceremonial practice.
Used by bana balute diviners, the lukasa functions as a mnemonic device, encoding genealogies, migration routes, sacred sites, and royal lineages. Each bead, mark, and configuration conveys specific information, making the board both a functional archive and a symbolic representation of spiritual and political authority.
Beyond its practical purpose, the lukasa is a masterpiece of visual storytelling and African craftsmanship. It illustrates the Luba people’s sophisticated approach to knowledge preservation and ritual practice, highlighting the intersection of art, history, and spirituality. Collectors and museums prize these boards not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their cultural and anthropological significance.
Highlights:
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Authentic Luba Lukasa divination board – DR Congo
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Handcrafted with wood, beads, shells, and nails
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Used to record genealogies, royal histories, and ritual knowledge
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Functional mnemonic and ritual device of the Mbudye society
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Highly collectible and culturally significant piece of African art
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