These two grass mats are made of raffia, a durable material derived from palm tree leaves, which is a traditionally used in making many woven goods in Central Africa. Among others, the Kongo and Kuba cultures are known for making elaborately woven cloths and mats from raffia fibers. As shown in these mats, the Kongo and the Kuba are also known for dyeing palm fibers with … [Read more...] about African Grass Mats: Researched and Conserved by Samantha Walsh
This small figure, made by artists of the Tikar culture of Cameroon, is a representation of a house god, an ancestral power that is believed to have been one of the first occupants of this region. The figure is short and stout because the Tikar believe that their ancestors were pygmies. Such house god sculptures are kept in the home because the figure is believed to provide … [Read more...] about Small African Figural Sculptures: Researched by Emma Schupbach