West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit

Experience the vibrant and dynamic cultures of West Africa at the Otago Museum when you visit 'West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit'.
The colourful new exhibition features over 200 exhibits from 28 different West African cultures. From spiritual beliefs to daily life, masks to music, cloth to carving, it’s your chance to discover West Africa in Dunedin.
The stories behind each object are rich and varied. A collection of ‘ibeji’ twin figures, for example, tells a story of the importance of twins for the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Twins are believed by the Yoruba to have powers to influence their family’s well-being. Representing individual infant twins, each ‘ibeji’ figure has its own characteristics. With time, and constant handling, ‘ere ibeji’ are often worn to a smooth surface sheen.
Bright beads tell of people who value beauty and decoration, as well as a story of international trade. Necklaces bring together beads made from local or recycled materials (such bauxite stone, or blue bottles) and beads from other countries – millefiori, and brass from European and trans-Saharan trade over many centuries. Masks made from wood, unpainted or painted in white or bright colours, tell of the masked dances and rituals of West Africa; from the Gelede society masquerades, honouring older women, to the Egungun masquerades honouring the ancestors of the Yoruba people.
'West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit' has been developed by the Otago Museum with Joel and Patti Vanderburg, who spent many years living in Nigeria and Ghana. Following its time at the Otago Museum, the collection is expected to tour to other venues in New Zealand and beyond.
For your very own West African experience, don’t miss 'West Africa: Rhythm and Spirit'.

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