African pre-coinage metal currency takes many unusual forms. One type, commonly called “throwing axe currency,” takes the form of a blunt, ceremonial hatchet or axe. Another type takes the form of a curved knife and is often called “throwing knife currency,” and these objects may actually have served a functional purpose as a weapon of warfare and/or as an agricultural tool; … [Read more...] about African Metal Currency: Researched and Conserved by Al Thompson
Traditionally, the African cultures known as the Kisii have long mined soapstone from the Tabaka Hills in southwest Kenya to make powdered soapstone for use in healing, divining, and initiation rituals. Starting in the 20th century, Kisii men began to mine this soft metamorphic rock in order to supply workshops where the soapstone is carved into small sculptures and household … [Read more...] about Hand-Carved Kisii Soapstone Objects: Researched and Conserved by Christina Elkinton
Cut-pile Shoowa velvet, also known as Kasai velvet or simply as Kuba cloth, is an artform produced cooperatively by men and women of the Kuba culture of Central Africa. The male weavers make the base cloth, and highly skilled female artists embroider and add plush designs to the surface. Each Shoowa velvet cloth has geometric designs that were likely inspired by basketry … [Read more...] about Kuba Shoowa Velvet: Researched and Conserved by Kate Sanford
The Baule culture of Côte D’Ivoire, in Western Coastal Africa, make two types of figural sculptures that look very similar, but that represent very different spirits. Both types of spirit figures are carved according to the ideals of beauty for the Baule, with smooth, shining skin, heavy muscular legs, shapely calves, and elaborately braided and styled hair. The first type … [Read more...] about Baule Spirit Figure: Researched and Conserved by David Wright
This shield was likely a part of ceremonial regalia created by the Songye of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The shield has been broken and repaired, illustrating that it was valued and preserved, but most other wear is the loss of pigment on the surface, suggesting that the shield was not used in battle. The central feature of the shield is a relief in the form of a … [Read more...] about Songye Ceremonial Shield with Kifwebe Mask: Researched and Conserved by Cory Powell