Concept of this exhibition was created by SCAD MA Art History student, Kalea Aspen Scott,
in fulfillment of the internship program at the Savannah African Art Museum wtih direction, guidence, and assistance by Chief Curator Billie Stultz.
février 2022 - janvier 2023
Typical communities throughout the continent of Africa include numerous societies, each with its own purpose. In the past, these included warrior societies, ancestor societies, hunting societies, anti-witchcraft societies, and entertainment societies.
Ndoli Jowei Sowei masquerader, accompanied by Sande women.
Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Ekpe Society Members. Source: Leopard Society Masquerades
Poro Society members Photograph from Human Leopards
by K. J. Beatty, London: Hugh Rees, Ltd. 1915, page
Many societies continue into the present day as fraternal, political, or commercial associations. Women as well as men belong to societies, though rarely the same ones. Varying in levels of secrecy, the common attributes of these societies usually include a series of rites performed in order to be initiated into the society and hierarchical levels within the association through which a member can ascend.
Art objects associated with these various societies are found throughout African Art collections and museums. This exhibition will focus on West and Central African secret societies represented within the collection.
