Kuba Textile Video
- Masterpiece Collection of African Kuba Textiles(opens in new window)
- Double Prestige Panel (Kuba peoples)(opens in new window)
Akua’Ba Dolls, Ashanti
- Birth and Death: Akua’ Ba Dolls(opens in new window) - Video at the end discusses importance of a stool, textiles, and so forth, highlighting use of other objects we have in our collection as well
- Fertility Figure: Female (Akua Ba)(opens in new window)
Mud Cloth
Making and Use (PDF)(opens in new window)
Kente Cloth
- Kente cloth (Asante and Ewe peoples)(opens in new window)
- Kente Cloth Origins(opens in new window) - For this source don’t worry about the software. The information however is highly useful for understanding the importance of Kente cloth and the meaning behind the patterns, symbols, and designs.
Headrest
East African Headrest (Smithsonian)(opens in new window) - This an example of a more ornate headrest. However, it also gives more information on the practical use and important symbolism behind headrests.
Beadmaking and Beadwork Throughout Africa
Beaded Splendor: Migration of Beadmaking and Beadwork Throughout Africa(opens in new window) - This online exhibit lacks in high quality and multiple images. However, it does provide a great deal of information about beads and their significance and importance throughout Africa.
Calabash Gourd Bowl
“Northeastern Nigeria and parts of Chad are centers for the production of elaborately decorated gourds that are used by women as household storage containers and food and beverage bowls. A woman usually owns a series of gourds, from small cups to serving pieces to large storage bowls. The maker, usually a woman, typically uses the entire surface for the design, centering the pattern on the bottom of the bowl. The techniques used on the exterior of these bowls include pyro engraving, which involves burning lines into the surface with a heated blade, and pressure engraving, a method of carving with a cold knife or other instrument and blackening with soot.”
Kayamba Instrument
Kayamba (Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection)(opens in new window) - This online exhibit provides the historical context surrounding the development and use of this instrument. It also discusses how the instrument is made and how to play it.
Engoma Drum
Engoma (Africa Museum, Belgium)(opens in new window)
Kifwebe Mask
- Kifwebe, 9th–mid-20th century (Songye peoples)(opens in new window)
- Kifwebe, 19th–mid-20th century (Luba peoples)(opens in new window)
- Kifwebe, 19th - early 20th century (before 1919) (Songye peoples)(opens in new window)