African Art Midterm Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is Biloongo?
The medicines that activate an nkisi
Biloongo serves a significant role in Kongo spiritual practices.
What does Diboondo refer to?
Funerary pottery, usually set atop a grave
The holes pierced in its side indicate it is meant for the next world.
Define Dikenga.
Cosmogram, the circular/diamond-shaped/cruciform sign of the four moments of the sun
It represents significant life transitions.
List the four moments of the sun represented in Dikenga.
- Kala: sunrise/birth into the world of the living
- Tukula: noon, the high mark of human vitality
- Luvemba: sunset/death, birth into the world of the dead
- Musoni: midnight/transformation and rebirth in the other world
What is Kalunga?
The watery line between the world of the living and the dead
Often depicted as a river or forest.
What does Kiazala kia mfundusulu mean?
The court of judgment
It signifies a place of reckoning in Kongo cosmology.
Describe Ludi.
Lifesize figurated funerary trumpet
Used in funerary practices to honor the deceased.
What is Mambu?
An issue under discussion or argument
It reflects the importance of dialogue in Kongo culture.
What was Mbanza Kongo?
The ancient capital of the kingdom of Kongo, present day São Salvador
It was a major political and cultural center.
What does Mpemba refer to?
The world of the dead, the graveyard
Associated with the white chalk that signifies this realm.
What is Mpu?
Raffia fiber cap, often featuring diamond-cosmograph motifs
It is a traditional garment with cultural significance.
Define Nganga.
Medicinal specialist, the expert owner of an nkisi
Nganga plays a crucial role in healing and spiritual practices.
What are Niombo?
Reliquary mannequins for the burial of mummified bodies of important persons
They serve to honor and remember the deceased.
What is Nkanda nzila zulu?
Passport for the road to heaven
It symbolizes the journey after death in Kongo belief.
Define Nkisi.
The medicines of God
They are integral to Kongo spirituality and healing.
What is Nkisi nkondi?
A class of nkisi employed for hunting wrongdoers and sealing lawful agreements
Includes Mangaaka type figures.
What does Ntadi refer to?
Admonishing funerary figures in steatite or wood
They serve a warning or guiding purpose in funerary contexts.
Who is Nzambi Mpungu?
The One God of Kongo cosmology
Central figure in the Kongo belief system.
What is Tumba?
Figurated stone sculpture
Represents important cultural and spiritual themes.
What does Zinga symbolize?
Seashell, figuration of the soul that spirals through cosmos
It reflects beliefs about the soul’s journey.
What does Funda nkata represent?
The lap of responsibility; sitting with crossed legs
A gesture signifying a mindful and responsible posture.
What does Kebuka signify?
Head turned to side while playing drums, canceling out distractions
A gesture of focus and engagement.
What does Nunsa indicate?
Pursed lips, head averted, signaling denial
Also called kebo-kebo, it is a gesture of vigilance.
What does Pakalala express?
Hands on hips, power, cockiness, challenge par excellence
A gesture associated with confidence and readiness.
