Why the Serapeum of Saqqara Remains One of Africa’s Greatest Archaeological Wonders

Introduction The Serapeum of Saqqara is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, offering invaluable insights into the religious practices and funerary customs of ancient Egyptians. Located near the ancient capital of Memphis, this burial complex was dedicated Read More …

A 18th–19th century Akan Geometric Gold Weight

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 …

16th–17th Century African Iron Staff Featuring a Seated Male Leader

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 …

Eye of Re Pectoral of Tutankhamun

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 Of A Hippo’s Head With Royal Regalia, 14th Century, Yoruba

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 …

San Rock Art: A Window into the Lives of Southern Africa’s Indigenous People

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 …

Commemorative Terracotta Portrait Tradition in Southern Ghana

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 …

Lidded Gunpowder Container Made By The Fang Community In Gabon

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 …

Staff finial: The Iron Staff Finial in Bamana Culture

The iron staff finial holds significant cultural and symbolic importance in the Bamana society of West Africa. Crafted with intricate designs and varying shapes, these finials serve as powerful symbols of authority, lineage, and spiritual connection. Every aspect of the Read More …

The Symbolic Significance of Brass Roosters in Benin Ancestral Altars

The brass rooster holds a significant place in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Benin. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these roosters are not merely decorative objects but rather powerful symbols deeply intertwined with the region’s ancestral altars. In Read More …