Nyanga cosmology and space categories

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Periodical article

Title:	Nyanga cosmology and space categories
Author:	Biebuyck, Daniel P.
Year:	1976
Periodical:	Cultures et développement
Volume:	8
Issue:	3
Pages:	408-435
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Subjects:	Nyanga cosmology
Abstract:	The spiritual bond between man and his total environment permeates many aspects of Nyanga thought patterns and behavior and manifests itself in several forms of conceptualization and symbolic arrangements that deeply affect the life style. Formulating ideas in texts is pervaded with place and place distinctions is placed into perspective in a large number of jural, social, political economic an ritual concepts. However, Nyanga knowledge about space and place is not condensed in any kind of systematic philosophical treatise. Rather, it manifests itself in piecemeal exegesis (texts, formulae, statements, terms) and in ways of acting and performing, pertaining to the most diverse experiences of life. The author attempts to piece these various elements of knowledge together in more systematic manner, thereby closely following the view formulated by the Nyanga themselves: The cosmic map - The ethnic population map and the Nyanga self-image - The physical maps - The village layout - The house space - The upstream-downstream dichotomy and its correlaries - Conclusions. Note.