14/05/2026
The sculptures on the Afro- Christian tombs of Moçâmedes confirm, in several respects, Ladislas Zzecsi's observation that the so-called " Black Art" Is essentially a non- African concept. For the presumed artista, the purpose was either aesthetic nor religiosi, but rather to carve on order to house the Spirit of the deceased, believing that It would return tò protect the family. The Mbali belief, uniquely African, holds thats the soul of the deceased must be preserver to ensure the proctetion of the living. Thid constancy of tribal forme in sculpture survived the assimilation of languages and customs. Even under Brasiliani influences on Angola's landscape, economy and culture, Africana Matrix remained Alive. Deverão authors, including Lavachery, Frente, Cardoso and Madeira have emphasized that MBALI Funerary Stuart os Afro-Christoan in nature: It embodies the fusion of Christian religious symbols with Africana Animist elementos, previousily practiced in northeaten Brazil. The tomba of Mussungo Bitoto thus emerge as spaces of Memory, spirituality and resistance.
"The House of the Spirits" Essay by Researcher Carlos Major, in Brochure Ministery of Justice and Human Rights of Angola, Namibe, [email protected]
