Tuesday, August 30, 2016

April 2014: African Art at the British Museum

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this is a throne of weapons made up of decommissioned weapons from Mozambique's civil wars in 1992. seven million weapons poured into the country. Go figure. This is one bloodstained history chair.

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this is a painting celebrating the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1930 in the form of the Last Supper and the Emperor is the lion in the middle. Quite fascinating.

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This is a wooden figure made by the Bongo people in Sudan dating back to the 1800's, and this is erected on top of the graves of warriors. Notches on the figures would denote the kills made by the warrior (or hunter). The wood was so reminiscent of actual muscle. I just stood there gazing at it.

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This is a Minkisi made up of wood, iron, textiles and resin by the Kongo people in Congo dating back to the 1800's. So they were containers of power, and can be used to protect people or catch thieves or what have you. To activate the power, you drive a nail into it or insult them. I dont think I will insult them, just look at the face, does that look like a face which will welcome an insult?

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This is a pair of door panels and lintel from the Yoruba People in Nigeria, 1910, which was carved by the Olowe of Ise for the royal palace at Ikere. It commemorates a historical event where a British Administrator popped around. Can you see the faces? The British chappie is on the hammock, you have people dressed in european hats, with luggage/gifts on their heads.


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this was one creepy sculpture, made recently in 2007 in Benin, it apparently stands for Mother of Society. very bizarre.

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pots and pans

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A tree made of decommissioned weapons and ammunition. Pretty spooky.


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Some masks...they dont look very happy do they?

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