JUST BEAD IT!

March 29 - April 17 and

May 22 - June 21, 2014

In many parts of tribal Africa, objects that were especially valued were often embellished with a vibrantly colored surface of small beads. The labor intensive work needed to create such beautiful pieces reflected the importance of the object to that culture. That care is usually quite evident and was an important part of the art from several peoples, especially the Yoruba, Kuba, Bamileke and Ndebele with smaller groupings from the Fali, Dinka, Kirdi, Lele, Fulani and Maasai.

Although some of the objects in this exhibit have been vetted as authentic, meaning that they have seen tribal use, many have not. Each has been clearly identified as to which category it belongs to. In case of doubt, our default assumption is that the object was made to be sold.

We show and sell reproductions of traditional tribal forms because we feel that limited access to discretionary funds should not prevent those who delight in these sculptures from acquiring a version thereof, even one made for the market. (After all, very few of us who hung poster versions of Guernica in our university dorm rooms could have afforded --- at the time or even now --- a genuine Picasso.)

The more these wonderful forms can be seen, appreciated and shown to those as yet unfamiliar with the aesthetic power of traditional tribal art forms, the better ... and that means accessibility outside of museums and galleries.

We hope you agree.

Below are some installation photos followed by links to the individual pieces.