African Reflections: Uncovering the Journey

Eye On Art  |  05/23/2013 9:00 am

The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is proud to announce the debut of a powerful African art exhibit titled African Reflections: Uncovering the Journey, on view now through June 29 in the second floor Gallery at Main Library, 325 Michigan St. A public reception is scheduled from 5:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5 in the Gallery.

The display includes a combination of more than 100 African ceremonial and festive masks and sculpture works, owned by local African art importer Odes Roberts, CEO of arts and crafts distributor Orobs, LLC. The handmade carvings all hail from West Africa, and are part of a collection of some 3,000 Orobs pieces.

Several themes of tribal African culture permeate the Main Library exhibit pieces, including those of unity, family, music, celebration and fertility. Upon entering the Main Library Gallery space, one is moved especially by the unique African masks, which each vary in size and color, and bear their own ritualistic purpose.

According to Roberts, in Africa, masks can be traced to well past Paleolithic times. These art objects were, and are still made of various materials, including leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood.

African masks are considered among the finest creations in the art world and are highly sought after by art collectors. Many of the pieces, some replicas, can be viewed in museums and art galleries in many parts of the world. Masking ceremonies in Africa have great cultural and traditional significance. Latest developments and understanding of aesthetic principles, religious and ceremonial values, have brought about a greater insight into the ideas and moral values that African artists express in their art.

During celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, peace and trouble times, African masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. It can be worn in three different ways: vertically covering the face: as helmets, encasing the entire head, and as a crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of a disguise. African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer.

“This is a perfect space to display these pieces, each of these masks tell their own story ? what better exhibit space to be in than the Library, where many stories are shared through the pages of books,” said Roberts, while mounting a mask to the Gallery wall.

The exhibit, open during Main Library’s normal hours of operation, also includes the sounds of African music playing softly in the background.

For additional information visit toledolibrary.org, or call 419.259.5200.