Current Exhibition
Flash of the Spirit!: The Music of Africa and Beyond
The rhythm of culture comes alive acros the African Continent!
Now through May 22, 2009
Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Langdon Hall
Exhibition Overview:
The rhythm of culture comes alive across the African continent in this year’s Museum of Anthropology exhibition at CSU, Chico. Music is the shared doorway between understanding the regional similarities and differences in social, political, and religious ways of life in the many countries and regions of Africa. Drumming, dancing, performing, and singing styles find their home within a variety of social contexts and ritual meanings. A wide array of instruments, masks, jewelry, and other cultural artifacts lead the beat toward deepening the visitors’ encounter with these regions. Interactive exhibitions offer direct experiences with the power of the music. From traditional talking drums, to Reggae, to the Afro-Brazilian sounds of Bahia, follow the musical journey across Africa and beyond.
Although Africa encompasses 54 countries with multiple tribal influences in each one, Westerners still have a tendency to see the customs and lifestyles of these many regions in an undifferentiated manner. Part of the goal of this exhibition is to cultivate an appreciation for the many musical and cultural expressions upon this vast landscape and give social meaning and context within its respective communities. As globalization and Western influences come to these communities, what are the changes in the society and the music? Additionally, how have these African musical traditions influenced music and culture beyond their borders?
The exhibit encompasses 13 topics, including Chico’s own Lansana Kouyate, originally from Guinea who teaches the instrument of his homeland, the balafon. Also featured will be local retired teachers Ted and Frieda DeBernardi, who recently donated to the museum a tremendous musical instrument collection from Kenya and Tanzania.