by Sally Barber
synopsis
In the absence of writing, the citizens of Luba, unlike their counterparts around the world, recorded their cultural developments and history through art and stories. African Art, Women, History: The Luba People of Central Africa specifically documents the relationship between the female population, politics, art, religion, and history. Using artifacts from a 1996 exhibition at the Museum for African Art in New York City, as well as photographs and film footage, this video explores the prominent aspects of Luba art, including the "lukasa," or memory board, other objects, and female scarification. The film features original music by Joshua Stone and is narrated by Dr. Mary Nooter Roberts.
