NS6 | CREATIVITY BEANIE

THE SEVEN PRINICPLES

The Nguzo Saba, which translates to "Seven Principles" in Swahili, is a set of principles rooted in Pan-Africanism and African-American culture. They represent a daily code of conduct for the promotion of prosperity and longevity of African peoples around the world.

KUUMBA

Kuumba, the sixth principle of the Nguzo Saba, means creativity in Swahili. It encourages individuals to express themselves creatively and to contribute to the enrichment of their community and culture. Kuumba emphasizes the importance of using one's talents and abilities to leave a positive and lasting impact on the world. This principle is about harnessing the power of imagination and innovation to bring about positive change and to inspire others. Kuumba encourages people to create art, music, literature, and other forms of expression that celebrate their identity and heritage. It reminds us that each person has a unique gift to share with the world, and that through creativity, we can transform our communities and ourselves for the better.

THE DOGON SYMBOL

The Dogon people, an ethnic group residing in Mali, West Africa, possess a rich cultural heritage, including a complex system of symbols, rituals, and cosmology. One of the most well-known symbols associated with the Dogon is the "Aduno Koro," commonly referred to as the Dogon symbol.

The Dogon symbol is a geometric design featuring interconnected lines and circles, often resembling a series of loops or spirals. It is believed to represent the Dogon's understanding of the universe and their cosmological beliefs, particularly their knowledge of celestial bodies and astronomical phenomena.

According to Dogon mythology and oral traditions, their ancestors possessed advanced astronomical knowledge, including the existence of stars, planets, and even distant galaxies. The Dogon symbol is thought to encode this astronomical knowledge, serving as a visual representation of their cosmological worldview.

The symbol's intricate design is said to convey complex astronomical concepts, such as the orbits of celestial bodies, the paths of stars, and the cycles of time. It is also believed to contain spiritual and metaphysical meanings, reflecting the Dogon's reverence for the natural world and their connection to the cosmos.

While the exact interpretation of the Dogon symbol may vary among scholars and practitioners, it remains a potent emblem of the Dogon's cultural identity and their profound understanding of the universe.