Kongo Graphic Writing and Other Narratives of the Sign

BÁrbaro MartÍnez-Ruiz is an Assistant Professor in the African Art and Its Diaspora/Latin American and Caribbean Arts at Stanford University.

• Acknowledgments 1 Introduction Existing LIterature Methodology 2 The Atlantic Passage: The Spread of Kongo Belief in Africa and to the Americas 3 The Process of Meaning Making: The Kongo Universe Kongo Cosmogony: Nza Kongo Kongo Cosmogony: Nza Cuba 4 Afro-Atlantic Graphic Writing: Bidimbu, Bisinsu, and Firmas Kongo Graphic Writing Systems: Overview of Character and Origins Ancient Memory: Rupestrian Art in Central Africa Writing to Preserve: Bidimbu and Bisinsu Writing to Remember: Firmas 5 Beyond the Scripture: Physical Forms of Graphic Writing Minkisi and Prendas: Written Objects Mambo: Writing Out Loud 6 Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index

"In-depth description and interpretation of some complex examples nicely illustrate the processes of continuity and transculturation, especially in occult realms of behavior... Summing Up: Recommended."--Choice, August 2013