From Musoni to Mpemba and Luvemba: Decoding the Bantu-Kongo Cycles of Time
INTRODUCTION
The Bantu-Kongo time concept, deeply embedded within the cultural, spiritual, and cosmological practices of the Kongo people of West Central Africa, presents a complex, cyclical framework that contrasts sharply with the linear perspective commonly found in Western thought. This concept is not merely a way to measure chronological progression but is intrinsically tied to natural phenomena, spiritual beliefs, and community rituals, offering a holistic view of life and existence.
The following blog is based on a text „Ntangu-Tandu-Kolo: The Bantu-Kongo Concept of Time“ from K. K. Bunseki Fu-Kiau.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The Kongo people are part of the larger Bantu group that migrated from the Benue-Cross River area of present-day Nigeria into the equatorial forests of West Central Africa around the second millennium B.C. This migration led to the formation of the Kongo state, which by the 13th century had developed into a complex society with intricate political structures and advanced technological and cultural practices.
The Kongo and European Contact
The advent of European explorers in the late 15th century marked the beginning of significant turmoil for the Kongo state, intertwined with the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade and later colonial exploitation. Despite these hardships, the Kongo people maintained a strong cultural identity, as evidenced by their persistent use of the Kikongo language and shared spiritual traditions.
The Bantu-Kongo: Time Isn’t a Line, It’s a River with Milestones
Forget clocks and calendars, for the Bantu-Kongo people of Central Africa, time is a whole different story. Here, it’s a cyclical river that flows forever, without a beginning or end.
Think of it like this: Events, big or small, natural or human-made, are like rocks in the river. These „dunga“ create landmarks, helping us understand the flow of time. We call them „n’ka-ma mia ntangu“ in Kikongo, which translates to „dams of time.“
So, time is both an abstract concept (the ever-flowing river) and a concrete one (marked by the dunga).
Now, to truly dive into this concept, we need to understand some key Kikongo words:
- Ntangu: This is the most common word for time. It comes from the root „tanga,“ which means to count, order, or dance (think of moving your feet in rhythm, keeping time!). This connection between time and movement is pretty cool, right?
- Tandu: This word for time comes from „tanda,“ meaning to mark or set something in line. Like placing stones (dunga) along the riverbank.
- Kolo: This one is about state and strength. It expresses the idea of a specific point in time where things are a certain way.
There are even words for „hour“ – lo, lokula, and ndo. But that’s a story for another day!
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time offers a fresh perspective. It’s a reminder that time isn’t just a rigid measurement, but a dynamic experience shaped by the events that fill it.
THE ESOTERIC KONGO CONCEPT OF TIME
The cosmological system
The Kongo concept of time, particularly its esoteric aspects known only to the initiated (bangdnga), incorporates a detailed cosmological system with specific terminologies that describe various temporal and existential states:
- Mpemba: Cold and hot phases of time, embodying dynamic equilibrium and transformation within the cosmogram, where life and death are interwoven.
- Kalunga: The liminal boundary between life and death, encapsulating the cyclical nature of existence and the ongoing flow of life energies.
- Kala: The dawn of new beginnings, akin to spring, symbolizing emergence and growth.
- Tukula: The peak phase, like midday or summer, representing vitality and maturity.
- Luvemba: The late afternoon or autumn period, a time for reflection and preparation for the end of a cycle.
- Musoni: The twilight or winter stage, marking the conclusion and gestation period before the rebirth in Kala.
- Nseke: The upper world, the realm of the living, contrasted with the lower world (Mpemba), where the ancestors reside. This dualistic element underscores the connection between the physical and spiritual realms and their influence on temporal perceptions.
The Four Rivers of Time: A Bantu-Kongo Perspective
The Bantu-Kongo people don’t just see one river of time, they see a whole network! They recognize four distinct realms of time that flow together, shaping our world.
Cosmic Time (Tandu Kiayalangana)
The first is cosmic time (tandu kiayalangana). Imagine it as the granddaddy river, the source of all creation. This is the ever-flowing energy of Kalunga, the supreme force, constantly forming new things (dunga) throughout the universe. Think of Kalunga’s power as the current pushing the river forward, creating new „dams“ (moments of creation) along the way.
These „dams“ are crucial. After humans appeared on Earth, Kalunga’s plan wasn’t finished. This cosmic river extends beyond our planet, and its energy will continue to create new worlds in the vast emptiness beyond the sky.
Here’s the interesting part: each new world, just like ours, will also have its own cosmic time, with its own unique flow. But the Bantu-Kongo believe there’s a pattern. Every world goes through four key stages, like stepping stones across the river. These stages are called „dams of time“ (n’kama mia ntangu).
Cosmic time in Kongo belief is an ongoing process driven by the divine force of Kalunga, influencing the creation and transformation of the universe. It is structured into four cardinal stages, each corresponding to significant cosmological events that reflect the life cycle of the universe:
- Musoni Time: Initiation of creation, filling the void.
- Kala Time: Emergence of life forms.
- Tukula Time: Development and maturation of life.
- Luvemba Time: Completion and renewal of the cosmic cycle.
The First Dam of Time: Musoni (Tandu kia musoni) – Where Everything Begins
In the Bantu-Kongo worldview, time isn’t just a river, it’s a river with specific landmarks. The first of these landmarks is called Musoni Time (Tandu kia musoni). Buckle up, because this is the very beginning of everything!
Think back to before anything existed, just pure emptiness. Musoni time is when Kalunga, the supreme force, starts cooking things up (literally translated as „the period of Kalunga’s cooking“). This is the „big bang“ moment, a giant collision that fills the void with swirling, super hot matter. Imagine the universe as a giant pot of soup bubbling over with energy – that’s Musoni time.
This intense heat and movement is like the first spark of life and time itself. It’s the foundation for everything that will come after, and it’s symbolized by the color yellow in the Kongo cosmogram.
Musoni time is so important that it’s not just the first stage of the universe, it’s the first step in everything the Bantu-Kongo do. Planting a seed? That’s like putting it back in the fertile ground of Musoni. Coming up with an idea? That spark of creativity also starts in Musoni.
This is the time of ultimate potential, like the deep darkness of midnight (n’dingu-a-nsi). It’s where male and female energies come together to form the building blocks of everything – „ma“ or matter.
The Second Dam of Time: Kala (Tandu kia Kala) – The Rise of Life
The Musoni time laid the groundwork, and now comes Kala Time (Tandu kia Kala). This is the second stage where our planet Earth really starts to transform.
Imagine the Earth after the big bang – everything is cooling down. Now, during Kala time, the big changes happen. Tiny life forms, like microscopic creatures and algae, begin to appear. The Earth is covered in water, and it’s a dark and mysterious time, symbolized by the color black.
But there’s a turning point. Here’s a beautiful idea: Kala time is also when the sun rises from the spirit world (the ancestors‘ world) into the physical world. It’s like light and hope dawning for the first time, bringing creative energy to the planet.
This concept of Kala time isn’t just about the planet, it reflects Bantu-Kongo society too. Kala is seen as the stage where all living things come into existence – it’s the time of birth. Just like the sun rising brings light to the world, the birth of a child is seen as a new „living sun“ rising in the physical world, bringing joy to the community.
The Third Dam of Time: Tukula (Tandu kia Tukula) – Growth and Prosperity
The Musoni laid the foundation, Kala brought life, and now comes Tukula Time (Tandu kia Tukula). This is where things really flourish on Earth.
Imagine a young planet teeming with life after the basic forms emerged in Kala. During Tukula time, everything matures and prospers. Plants grow bigger and stronger, and animals appear on the scene. It’s a time of growth and abundance, symbolized by the color red.
The word „Tukula“ itself means „let us grow/mature,“ perfectly capturing the essence of this stage. There’s an interesting concept here: the „V“ zone. This is seen as the most critical point for success, especially for humans. It represents the peak of our creative power.
Think of societies or leaders who don’t tap into this creative zone. The Bantu-Kongo believe such societies are destined for trouble. The key is to learn from the „V“ zone, to stand tall and face challenges head-on. Just like a plant reaching towards the sun, we need to harness that creative energy to thrive.
This Tukula time is a reminder that growth isn’t just about getting bigger, it’s about using our potential to the fullest.
The Fourth Dam of Time: Luvumba (Tandu kia Luvemba) – Achieving Wholeness
The final stage in the Bantu-Kongo’s grand river of time is Luvemba Time (Tandu kia Luvemba). This is where things get really interesting.
Imagine Earth after all the growth of Tukula time. Now, according to Bantu-Kongo mythology, a special being called Maghingu appears. This being is unique – it’s both male and female at the same time, a complete „one-self.“ Think of it as a single being holding both masculine and feminine energy.
Through a series of rituals, Maghingu splits into two separate beings: Lumbu (female) and Muzita (male). This act creates a whole and balanced planet. Lumbu and Muzita, to maintain their original unity, then choose to live together as husband and wife.
With this union, the circle of cosmic time closes (as seen in the Kongo cosmogram), and a new chapter begins – vital time, which focuses on the life cycle of individual beings.
This Luvumba stage is important because it explains why some planets might be barren. The idea is that planets, like our moon or Mars, simply haven’t completed all four stages. They’re stuck in an earlier, „cooling“ stage, or they might have been disrupted by some cosmic event.
But here’s the cool part: Kalunga, the supreme force, is always creating. Even if a planet doesn’t make it through all four stages, Kalunga’s energy keeps flowing, like a giant fire setting the universe ablaze and forming new worlds all the time.
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time offers a whole new way to think about our place in the universe.)
Beyond the Four Rivers: Vital Time (Ntangu a zingu/moyo) – The Cycle of Life
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time is like a grand story with many chapters. We’ve explored the four stages of cosmic time, the grand river shaping our planet. But there’s another crucial part: Vital Time (Ntangu a zingu/moyo).
Think of vital time as the cycle of life itself, a loop that starts and ends at the same point, constantly transforming. The length of this cycle depends on the specific being or system involved. Everything from plants and animals to ideas and social systems follows this pattern.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Musoni (Conception): This is the starting point, like the spark of an idea or the moment of conception in a womb. It’s called „kenko dia ngyakulu“ in Kikongo.
- Kala (Birth): Just like a baby being born, this stage represents the emergence of something new into the world.
- Tukula (Maturity): This is the growth and flourishing phase, where things reach their full potential.
- Luvemba (Transformation/Death): Everything eventually reaches a point of change. In vital time, this „death“ isn’t an ending, but a transformation. It’s like a dam in the river, allowing the energy to flow and regenerate.
The Bantu-Kongo believe death isn’t something to fear. They say „tufwanga mu soba“ – we die to undergo change. Death is simply a release of the living energy back into the universe, ready to fuel a new beginning.
This concept of vital time is fascinating. It reminds us that everything in the universe is interconnected, constantly flowing and transforming. Even death becomes part of the beautiful cycle of life.
Vital time mirrors the life stages of beings, highlighting the interconnectedness of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Each phase of a being’s life corresponds to the cosmic stages, emphasizing a harmonious existence that cycles through creation, growth, and transformation.
The Human Rhythm: Social Time (Ntangu amoukanana)
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time isn’t just about cosmic forces and natural cycles. It also embraces social time (ntangu amoukanana), the time dedicated to human activities.
Here, the focus is specifically on the Bantu people, particularly the Bakongo. Social time is all about the moments when a „Muntu“ (human being) is engaged in some activity that shapes their community.
This can be anything from purely social interactions like talking or celebrating a wedding, to more practical activities like working, trading, or resolving conflicts. Education, like initiating new leaders, and philosophical discussions like sharing proverbs, all fall under this umbrella of social time.
Even exploring history by listening to the „masamuna“ (the griot, a storyteller who preserves oral tradition) is considered part of social time.
This concept is important because it highlights how our actions, big or small, contribute to the rhythm of our communities. Every conversation, every celebration, every act of teaching or learning becomes a building block of social time.
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time reminds us that we’re not isolated individuals. We’re all part of a larger web, and the way we spend our time shapes the world around us.
Nature’s Rhythm: Natural Time (Ntangu yasemuka)
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time isn’t just about grand cosmic cycles and individual life spans. They also recognize a natural time (ntangu yasemuka) that governs the Earth itself.
Think of it as nature’s built-in clock, controlling everything from the blooming of flowers to the movement of animals. This natural time dictates the seasons, bringing both renewal and rejuvenation.
Here’s a breakdown of the four natural seasons:
- Nsungi a mvula (Rainy Season): This is a time of cleansing and growth. Imagine the Earth reaching up with open arms to receive the life-giving rain from the sky. In colder regions, this aligns with winter.
- Nsungi a sivu (Cold Season): Nature takes a deep breath during this time. Temperatures drop, and the Earth’s energy goes inward to nourish plant life.
- Nsungi a lakumuka (Fall Season): Just like leaves falling from trees, this season is about letting go. Nature renews the soil’s nutrients and prepares for a new cycle.
- Nsungi a mbangala (Summer Season): This is a vibrant time of activity. Plants regain their lush greenery, but it’s also a time when older growth gives way to new.
Just like the other forms of time, natural time connects to the Kongo cosmogram. Each season aligns with a specific stage in this grand cycle, highlighting the interconnectedness of everything in the universe.
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time offers a beautiful way to appreciate the natural world around us. It reminds us that change is a constant, and even the seasons are part of a grand dance of life, death, and rebirth.
The Rhythm of Life: Social Time in Action
The Bantu-Kongo concept of social time isn’t just an abstract idea. It has real-world implications that shape their communities.
Remember the four stages of the Kongo cosmogram (musoni, kala, tukula, and luvemba)? Well, social time aligns perfectly with these stages too.
Traditionally, the Kongo week only had four days, corresponding to the four main markets. Similarly, the day was divided into four main periods:
- N’dingu-a-nsi (Midnight): This aligns with Musoni, the beginning stage.
- Nseluka (Sunrise): This reflects Kala, the stage of birth and new beginnings.
- Mbata (Noon): Corresponding to Tukula, the time of growth and flourishing.
- Ndimina (Sunset): This falls under Luvemba, the stage of transformation.
There were also „in-between“ hours, each with its own significance.
This connection between social time and the cosmogram goes even further. A typical Kongo village might have four entrances, each with specific residents. The „Nganga“ (initiated masters) might live near one entrance, while the „Mfumu“ (political leaders) live near another. This reflects the different roles and energies within the community.
Even learning is structured around the four stages. Educational processes happen at four levels, each named after and aligned with a specific stage on the cosmogram, complete with its symbolic color.
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time is a fascinating way to see how our daily lives are connected to the bigger picture. It’s a reminder that everything we do, from our daily routines to our community structures, contributes to the rhythm of life.
The Flow of Time: The Bantu-Kongo Perspective
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time is more than just minutes, hours, and days. It’s a flowing river of experiences marked by „dams“ or events.
Imagine a conversation with a Mukongo person. They might say, „We had funerals last month,“ referring to a span of days, not hours. Time is measured by events – births, wars, marriages, even everyday activities.
Living in Kongo time means being aware of these „dams“ and how they shape your life. It’s not about rigidly controlling time, but responding to its rhythm.
Here’s a deeper look at this concept:
- No Time Wasted: The idea that Africa lacks a concept of time is a misconception. The Bantu-Kongo people understand time’s importance for activities like fishing, farming, or avoiding dangers.
- Patience is Key: „Being late“ isn’t necessarily negative. Unforeseen events can create new „dams“ in the flow of time, requiring adaptation.
- The Scroll of Time: The Bantu-Kongo people visualize time as a scroll. The „present“ is the middle section, where we can learn from the „past“ (unrolling the scroll) and use that knowledge to navigate the „future“ (rolling the scroll forward).
- Dams of the Known and Unknown: Life is about dealing with both expected and unexpected events. Understanding the interconnectedness of past, present, and future allows us to navigate the flow of time effectively.
The Song of the Traveler: The concept of time is beautifully captured in a Kongo saying: „Ma’kwenda! Ma’kwiza“ – what happens now will return later. Time, like life, is cyclical, and everything we experience leaves its mark on the ever-flowing river of time.
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time is a fascinating way to think about our place in the universe. It reminds us that time isn’t just a linear progression, but a rich tapestry woven from the events and experiences of our lives.
The Enduring River: Final Thoughts on Bantu-Kongo Time
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time might seem entirely new, even revolutionary. This could be due, as some scholars suggest, to a lack of understanding of African cosmologies.
For the Bakongo, time isn’t a separate entity, but woven into every aspect of life. Each event, big or small, is a „dam“ shaping the flow of time.
Here are some key takeaways from this exploration of Bantu-Kongo time:
- Time as a Universal Journey: Time, from a cosmological perspective, is the grand journey of the universe. It stretches from the formation of the first planet to its eventual transformation, a process mirrored in the four stages of the Kongo cosmogram.
- Time as the Cycle of Life: Biologically, time is the life span of all living things. It starts with the first conception and continues until the last one. Each species has its own allotted time on the grand timeline.
- Time as the Rhythm of Society: Socially, time is the unfolding of human events. It begins with the first social interaction and continues until the very last one.
- Time as Nature’s Breath: From a natural perspective, time is the duration of a healthy, life-sustaining Earth. It starts with the moment nature became capable of supporting life and ends when it can no longer do so.
We are all part of this grand river of time. The events of our lives, big and small, are the „dams“ that shape its flow. In a sense, we are time itself.
The Bantu-Kongo concept of time offers a beautiful and profound way to think about our place in the universe. It reminds us that time isn’t just a linear progression, but a rich tapestry woven from the events and experiences of all existence.
A NOTE ON MPEMBA
The word „Mpemba“ carries a fascinating duality. While it signifies the profound concept of time as experienced by the Bakongo, it also holds other meanings within the culture.
Traditionally, „Mpemba“ refers to a type of chalk used in spiritual and artistic contexts. Some believe the word originates from Mpemba Island, a place where Muslims introduced the art of writing to the region. This connection between Mpemba, the island, and the act of writing reflects the flow of knowledge and cultural exchange across time.
The existence of these multiple meanings for „Mpemba“ is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. Just as time binds together the past, present, and future, the word „Mpemba“ bridges the spiritual and the artistic, the local and the global. It’s a testament to the richness and complexity of the Bantu-Kongo worldview.
Writing with Mpemba becomes, then, a way of etching words not just on a surface, but on the very fabric of time.It’s a way of connecting with the wisdom of our ancestors, those who have walked the river of time before us, and leaving our own mark for generations to come.
More about the concept of time in other articles of this blog.