History of the Kuba Peoples: Children of Woot offers a comprehensive study of the Kuba, a central African ethnic group in present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. Jan Vansina reconstructs the political, social, and cultural history of the Kuba using oral traditions, archival documents, and material culture. The book examines the origins of the Kuba, their monarchy, social structures, rituals, arts, and crafts, as well as interactions with neighboring peoples. This work provides a rich insight into a dynamic society and serves as a foundational resource for students and scholars of African history and anthropology. The book is organized chronologically and thematically, covering the Kuba's history from its traditional origins to the early twentieth century. Key topics include the founding of the kingdom, hierarchical social structures, economic organization, religious and ritual practices, art and sculpture, and the role of oral traditions in preserving history. Vansina combines historical reconstruction with anthropological interpretation, making the work both a scholarly reference and an accessible introduction to Kuba culture. Jan Vansina (1929-2017) was a Belgian historian and anthropologist, widely recognized as a pioneer in the study of African oral traditions. His research focused on the history, culture, and social organization of central African peoples, with particular attention to precolonial societies and the methodology of oral history. Vansina's publications have become standard references in African studies and continue to influence scholars worldwide.