Sona expresses the relationship between human beings and nature. As originally performed, the expression consisted of marking reference points on the wet floor with the index finger and pinky.
In addition, it also consisted of tracing lines around these points in sequence. In this way, they preserve and demonstrate the collective memory of their people, as well as pass on stories and knowledge from one generation to the next. Sona continues to represent humanity's relationship with nature despite the risk of extinction. As well as beliefs, thoughts, feelings, emotions, concerns, anguish, and desires, it describes various aspects of human nature. In other words, it is a means of preserving a people's cultural identity. It contributes to knowledge in other areas as well, such as Mathematics, Philosophy, Ethnomathematics, Mathematics Education, and Anthropology. This knowledge is an opportunity to formalize and systematize the transmission from generation to generation in order to ensure its maintenance.
Sona tradition was invented and developed by the "akwa kuta sona", who used it to communicate their millenary wisdom to the rest of the community. The lived experience of the Lunda Cokwe people embodies a responsibility during this time when young people are preparing to assume social roles. In addition to allowing current and future generations to learn in a productive and creative way, the International Recognition of Sona can help avoid sociocultural alienation once the practice is in the process of extinction since it is practiced only by a few groups that want to maintain their cultural roots.
Through the inscription of the Sona as an intangible cultural heritage of the world, it will acknowledge Sona's creativity and cultural diversity around the world. The Sona's inscription would confirm its academic, artistic, and traditional value beyond any doubt. Angola's President expressed political support for incorporating the Sona into the human heritage on October 15, 2022, during his address to the National Assembly.
Sona Lueji A'Konde University is safeguarded by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Dundo Regional Museum through university extension activities that involve professors, students, members of the Cokwe community, as well as the general public. For additional safeguards, Form ICH-02-2023-EN - revised on 22/10/2021 - page 6 has been presented in classes, lectures, workshops, short courses, and services rendered in museums, scientific events, and visits. Sona practitioners have been visited, interacted with, and supported within the few existing communities. Due to the traditional places of practice, we are currently working on devising safeguard plans and promoting Cokwe initiation rites, namely Mukanda and Mungonge. |Country=Albania, Andorra, Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain |SDG=(03) Good Health and Well-being, (04) Quality Education, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (15) Life on Land, (16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions }}