The Legacy of Juan Garrido, Black Conquistador

Juan Garrido, born around 1480 in the Kingdom of Kongo, was a remarkable figure in history, recognized as the first documented Bantu person in what is now the United States. His journey took him from West Central Africa to Portugal, Read More …

Edo People Ceremonial Sword and Sheath Show A Reflection of Benin

At its roots, the city-state of Benin came to life thanks to the Edo-speaking people. The stories told by court historians and visitors paint a picture of a lively cultural hub that’s always changing, shaped by its leaders facing both Read More …

Yoruba Ogun Ceremonial Axe (Aringo Jagun) – Nigeria’s Historic Artifact

An elegant iron staff axe created by a Yorùbá master blacksmith by reforging hoe blades worn out from many years of farming brings this point home. The focus object honors and instigates Ã’rìsà Ã’kó, the Yorùbá deity who assures wealth 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 …

Discover the 19th Century Hausa Cotton Tunic (Riga) from Northern Nigeria with Koranic Art

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 …

An Overview of the Kintampo Complex: Culture, Lifestyle, and Art in Ancient West Africa Between 2500 BCE and 1400 BCE

The Kintampo Complex, located in Ghana, is a captivating archaeological site that offers a window into the prehistoric culture of West Africa between between 2500 BCE and 1400 BCE. Situated near Kintampo town, this complex comprises a network of sites Read More …

Discover the Kingdom of Loango – A Fascinating West-Central African Empire

The Kingdom of Loango, also known as Luangu, Luaangu, Lwaangu, Lwangu, Luaango or Lwaango, was a significant pre-colonial African state that thrived from the 16th to the 19th centuries in the western region of the Republic of the Congo, Southern Read More …

The History of the Gonja Kingdom in Northern Ghana

The Gonja Kingdom, also known as Gonjaland or Ghanjawiyyu, is a historic kingdom that holds a significant place in the annals of West African history. Its rich and captivating history dates back to 1675, when it was founded by Sumaila 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 …

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 …