ANTH V02- Cultural Anthropology-Spring 2006

Lukasa Assignment: Creative Project and Presentation

Presentations begin Week 7

For this assignment, create a Lukasa memory device using the materials of your choice. The Lukasa is a material creation that will help you articulate a personal narrative (story). You may describe or display a personal memory or event, using the elements of the Lukasa to tell your story. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that may arise as you prepare this project. Email me at

This assignment is worth 75 points. The breakdown of points is as follows:

  • 35 points: Presentation. You are required to share your Lukasa to the class.
  • 30 points: Creativity and use of Lukasa concept. Create an original Lukasa. Feel free to use your imagination! Adapt media (paint, cloth, food, beads, wood, etc), color, shape or even attributes of a traditional Lukasa to the circumstances you wish to present in your personal story. You may perform a song or dance, illustrate your story, or even make a Luban inspired Lukasa. It’s up to you!
  • 10 points: Written description of your story. At the time of your presentation, provide me with a brief description explaining the process of creating your project. Why did you choose to symbolize your story in that particular way? (Please type your paper, using 12 pt. font, double spaced and no longer than 2 pages.)

The Lukasa in its traditional sense comes from the Luba people of Central Africa (be sure to read the attached article for more background on Luba culture). The Lukasa is described as a memory devise used during rituals to teach the sacred lore about cultural heroes, clan migrations and sacred rule. It is an important device of Luba royal history. It is a flat, hand sized wooden object studded with beads, pins and some even have shells (see handout). The colors and configurations indicate the codes of kinship and relationships triggering remembrances of deeds, exploits and qualities of past kings, chiefs and their courts. The reading of the Lukasa is a performance; a ritual intended to teach others of the past. Yet, this performance of memory is active in the present as each Mbudye (a type of historian) reads the Lukasa in their own particular way and according to the audience.

In this project, YOU WILL BE THE MBUDYE; tell your story using your Lukasa to bring your memory alive for the rest of us!

Unfortunately, there will be no make-ups for this assignment. We will be rushed as it is to make sure everyone has time to complete their presentation, therefore, plan to attend class all the days of Lukasa presentations.