Dikenga - K. K. Bunseki Fu-Kiau

[KaNisa]

Dikenga: The Congo Cosmogram

The Kongo cosmogram is the foundation of Kongo society. The circle made by the sun's movement is the first geometric picture given to human beings. We move the same way the sun moves: we wake up, are active, die, then come back. The horizon line is the kalunga line between the physical and spiritual world. It literally means "the line of The All in All." When you have a circle of the Kongo cosmogram, the center is seen as the eternal flame. It is a way to come closer to the core of the community. If someone is suffering, they say "you are outside the circle, be closer to the fire." To stand on the cosmogram is to tie a social knot, bringing people together. Dikenga is from the verb kenga, which means "to take care, to protect," but also the flame or fire from inside the circle, to build and give life.

The first position is the sun at six in the morning, the second at the zenith of the day, the third setting at six in the afternoon, then the fourth at midnight. These positions are constant-the rising, zenith, setting and darkness.

Seattle Art Museum: Long Steps advisor - Fu Kiau Bunseki