Beadwork Exhibition

This page is a record of an exhibit that took place in 1999. The individual links below will take you to the CURRENT VERSION of the pages that formed part of that exhibit.

Our second exhibit of African beadwork reinvents the wonderful color, design, intricacy and symbolism of the original show in 1992, with all new pieces. Most critical is the distinction that this is not an exhibit about beads, but how they are used, in a variety of objects that different cultures in Africa have created and decorated, working with small glass trade beads and cowrie shells.

Yoruba beadwork from Nigeria is the most varied, ranging from a large selection of king's crowns, hats, dance panels, diviner bags and sashes, belts, vests and staffs, plus bowls and shrine objects adorned with cowrie shells.

YORUBA, BEADED DIVINER'S BAG, 11", Nigeria

The Kuba of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for their abstract design sense, contribute belts and a group of traditional headdresses intricately embellished with patterns of paint, beads and cowries.

From Cameroon we have several tall, bead-on-cloth Bamileke elephant masks with animal crests plus a group of massive, heavy Bamun bushcow helmet masks completely covered with beads. From the Namji we have a beautiful collection of small, but powerful ritual dolls.

Ndebele works from South Africa include many examples of jocolo and mapoto beaded aprons, other related ritual pieces, plus dolls.

Ndebele, Mapoto Apron, South Africa
From Tanzania and Kenya in east Africa we are showing Maasai neck ornaments, necklaces, embelllished leather cloaks and guord containers and some small abstract Kamba pieces.

To round out the show there are also works from the Bamana, Senufo and other peoples, objects from Ethiopia and selections of beaded jewelry. Everything reveals the importance of beadwork to African culture and revels in the love and care put into each piece.

African Beadwork is open April. 2 - May 29. We will be installing on Weds..and Thurs, March 31 - April 1; feel free to stop by. To celebrate the show and welcome you, we are having an Opening Party Sat. April. 3, from 12-4. Coming June 3 - July 31: "Royal Arts of Africa".

KUBA, MWAASH A MBOY MASK, Zaire © John Urban

This complex mask, with its elephant trunk and leopard skin, represents kingly power in a ritualized reenactment of Kuba mythological origins and royal power struggles. Portraying both the god Woot and the first king, the character marries his sister, Ngaady A Mwaash, and contests with his brother, Bwoom, who speaks for the commoners. As with most Kuba art, the piece is highly covered with geometric abstract designs.

KUBA, NGAADY A MWAASH MASK, Zaire

This mask, covered with geometric designs typical of Kuba art, portrays the wife of the first Kuba king in a ritualized reenactment of Kuba mythological origins and royal power struggles. A Kuba ideal of beauty, Ngaady A Mwaash was fought over by Mwaash A Mboy, her husband and king, and his brother, Bwoom.