Kasai kingdom renowned for its art, raffia textiles, and elaborate royal court.
Lost its independence when subjugated and incorporated into the Belgian Congo in the early 20th century; it survives today as a traditional monarchy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo under Kot-a-Mbweeky III (reigning since 1968).
Vansina reconstructs the deep political history of West Central Africa, the tradition out of which the Kuba kingdom of the Kasai emerged.
Places Kuba within the wider history of the Central African savanna states (regional context).