The Atlantic passage : the spread of Kongo belief in Africa and to the Americas -- The process of meaning-making : the Kongo universe -- Kongo cosmogony : Nza Kongo -- Kongo cosmogony : Nza Cuba -- Afro-Atlantic graphic writing : bidimbu, bisinsu and firmas -- Kongo graphic writing systems : overview of character and origin -- Ancient memory : rupestrian art in Central Africa -- The almighty Dikenga -- Manual of rupestrian signs -- Writing to preserve : bidimbu and bisinsu -- Writing to remember : firmas -- Beyond the scripture : physical forms of graphic writing -- Minkisi and prendas : writing through objects -- Mambos and music : writing out loud
Summary
Written symbols, religious objects, oral traditions, and body language have long been integrated into the Kongo system of graphic writing of the Bakongo people in Central Africa as well as their Cuban descendants. This book provides a significant overview of the social, religious, and historical contexts in which the Kongo kingdom developed and spread to the Caribbean
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-219) and index
