Beads, Seeds, and Leaves: Embellishment in African Art

To celebrate the Global Focus Year of Southern Africa, this exhibition was created by the students of ART 372: Curating African Art using works from the University's Olkes Collection decorated with brightly colored glass beads and the natural materials of seeds and palm tree leaves from Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and South Africa. Beads, seeds, and leaves feature prominently in African art. They are, however, far from mere decoration. Each has profound symbolic, political, religious, and economic implications. African artists embellish all manner of things: the regalia of spiritualists and kings, masks used for initiation and royal rituals, and utilitarian objects like stools and spoons. Embellishment can add value – beads were once currency in some sub-Saharan cultures – and prestige, for beads are often limited to those of high status.

Location

Chatham University Art Gallery in Woodland Hall

Directions

From the quad, the gallery doors are located between Cafe Rachel and Res Life's doors in Woodland. Through doors, gallery is located down the ramp on the left.

Contact Information

Dr. Beth Roark
(412) 365-1106
Roark@chatham.edu