Xylophones are instruments that originated in West Africa by the mid-14th century, and their use subsequently spread to the central and eastern regions of Africa. The kundung xylophone was introduced to the Berom people of Nigeria by the Bagirmi people of Chad in the 1930s. While many musical traditions vanished through British colonization and the … [Read more...] about African Kundung Xylophone: Researched, Conserved, and Repaired by Ashley McLaughlin
With over 3,000 diverse ethnic groups spread over 54 countries, Africa offers a huge variety of traditions, customs, and forms of art. Among the most famous artworks produced on the continent are functional masks, which reflect the great importance of theater and masquerades in African education, ritual, and entertainment. Different forms of masks include face masks, body … [Read more...] about African Masks and Headdresses: Researched by Chaney Jewell
In the cultures of western and central Africa, the spirit world and the physical world are deeply intertwined and have the ability to influence one another. Accordingly, a great deal of African sculpture is made to establish a link between these worlds through ritual. In addition, African cultures also influence one another. As shown in this collection of sculptures as well … [Read more...] about African Sculptures Researched by Nicholas Deckard and Moly-Elsabeth Owens