African Art

A generous bequest of African objects from Henry Easterwood has made possible a reinstallation of the African Galleries. Curated by African specialist Dr. Earnestine Jenkins, professor of art history at The University of Memphis, the installation explores artworks from the Sudan, Central Africa, and the West Atlantic Forests and Guinea Coast of West Africa, which are complemented with text that highlights shared creative traditions. The objects in The Arts of Africa are vibrant and dynamic, many having been produced for use in masquerades and festivals that feature music, dance, song, costume, poetry, and body decoration.

Bamileke, Cameroon Elephant Society Mask, late-19th century Raffia, canvas embroidered with beads 62 3/4" x 18 1/2" x 8 1/4" Gift of the Director's Council 97.2.1

Dogon, Mali Kanaga Mask, late-19th century-early-20th century Wood, rawhide strips and pigment 43 3/8" x 23 3/4" x 7 1/4" Gift of Henry L. Easterwood and William Roberson, Jr., in memory of Ben K. Baer 99.6

Songye, Kifwebe, Zaire Male Kifwebe Mask, early-20th century Wood, pigment, plant fibers and feathers 33" x 16 1/2" x 9" Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase 95.4.2

Ashanti, Ghana Throne Chair, early-20th century Brass, wood, leather 30 ½" x 17 ¼" x 17 ½" Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase 96.3

Bobo, Burkina Faso Do Hawk Mask, late-19th century–early-20th century Wood, pigment 25 ½" x 95" x 12 ½" Bequest of Henry Easterwood RS2003.1.74

Senufo, Ivory Coast Rhythmn Pounders, late-19th century–early-20th century Wood 61" x 6 ½" x 7 ¼" 55" x 8" x 8" Bequest of Henry Easterwood RS2003.1.76-77