The Ultimate Place To Learn About The Descendants of Africa
Although often associated with the Asante, who are the most well-known of the Akan peoples, weights for measuring gold dust have a long history throughout Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. For over five centuries, from around 1400 to 1900, Akan smiths Read More …
A striking, large male figure, dressed in full regalia, is seated on a spool-shaped stool, forming the finial of this impressive bronze and iron staff. The intricate details of his attire and body ornamentation—featuring an elaborate headdress, a stylized beard, Read More …
In Uganda, it’s a unique tradition for many communities to enjoy their beer using long straws crafted from soft wood. These straws often have a beautifully woven raffia covering, with a filter at the bottom to keep things clean. One Read More …
Maya was a prominent figure in ancient Kemet (Egypt), serving as both the Overseer of Works and Chief Treasurer during the reigns of the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun and the later Pharaoh Horemheb, around 1330 BCE. Originally hailing from Waset, which Read More …
The Eye of Re Pectoral is a fascinating piece of ancient Egyptian symbolism. The Eye of Re itself symbolizes protection, royal power, and divine authority. You might often see it depicted alongside a rearing cobra, which represents the fierce protection Read More …
Ife terracotta works are a wide and diversified corpus of sculptures and jars showing human, animal, and otherworldly motifs. These works span in size from nearly lifesize, full-length figures to tiny figurines about six inches tall, and their styles range Read More …
Combining pre-Islamic cultural values with Islamic-inspired patterns that adhere to Islamic religious conventions, Hausa motifs feature animal imagery, such as fish, snakes, and lizards (Heathcote, 1974b). The medium-sized silk motif on the front and back of the gown may take Read More …
The San people, also known as the Bushmen, are the indigenous inhabitants of Southern Africa, known for their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land. One of the most distinctive and captivating aspects of San culture is their Read More …
The Commemorative Terracotta Portrait Tradition in Southern Ghana is a captivating cultural practice that has endured for centuries, offering a window into the region’s rich heritage. This tradition involves the creation of terracotta portraits to honor deceased family members and Read More …
The lidded container for gunpowder with a bulbous body is truly a fascinating piece of history and craftsmanship. Picture this: a bulbous body, like a rounded treasure, topped by a cylindrical neck – a distinctive shape that immediately draws the Read More …