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A fascination with wild and domestic animals and their behaviour is widely evident in Africa. Praise-poems sing of them; traditional sculpture portrays them; myths and fables chronicle their actions and adventures. They are mocked for their shortcomings, teased for their quirkiness, and above all, honoured for their strengths.
We invite you to explore the important place of 'the animal' in traditional African art. This specially curated exhibition brings together a variety of different forms of zoomorphic African tribal art. Each piece has been made to serve a function in every-day life, ranging from headrests and stools in animal-like forms, to miniature bronze sculptures showing encounters between humans and animals. These traditional artefacts served important roles in African societies, displaying the ways in which representations of animals in African art indicated a person’s status in society, served as metaphors for life advice, or were used as mediators to the spiritual world.
In the words of Allen F. Roberts, author of Animals in African Art: From the Familiar to the Marvelous,
'it is by examining our relation to animals, we can learn about humanity'.
We hope you enjoy this exhibition, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Bryan Reeves
