"Color in African Art" dispels the image of dark, somber wood objects with a luminous display of masks, figures, textiles and beadwork. The emotions brought up by these painted or embellished objects mirror the joy, spirit and love of color of the original makers and wearers.

The most impressive and varied collection comes from the Yoruba of Nigeria, with many painted Gelede and Epa headdresses; beaded crowns, sashes and vests; Egungun costumes and Ashoke textiles. There are vivid puppets from the Bamana and Ibibio people. Colorful beadwork comes from the Ndebele of South Africa and the Bamun and Bamileke of Cameroon. Bright, pigmented masks of the Suku, Yaure, Pende, Baga, Tikar, Nafana, Bembe and others excite the eye and spirit. The full glory of large Kente textiles of the Ashanti exhibit their skill and love in combining the decorative with the symbolic. Aglow with color, the show is too beautiful to be missed.

YORUBA, GELEDE HEADDRESS, Nigeria © John Urban