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News / african art

Kuba Cut Pile Fabric

Kuba Textiles: A Rich Tapestry of History, Skill, and Artistic Expression

Kuba textiles, renowned for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, have captivated the art world for centuries. They represent not only a pinnacle of African textile art but also a deeply significant cultural expression for the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These textiles can be found not just in private collections but also gracing the halls of museums worldwide.

Textiles are woven into the fabric of human history, providing a powerful medium for storytelling, ritual, and cultural expression. The genesis of textile production can be traced back to the Paleolithic era, some 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, when our ancestors first mastered the art of thread production. By carefully twisting and manipulating plant fibers, they created the foundational elements of weaving. 

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A Brief History of Asafo Flags

A Brief History of Asafo Flags

Prior to the colonial period, Asafo military organizations were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of the region. Having endured a century characterized by violence and upheaval, they continue to be one of the fundamental local institutions. Throughout their history, their primary focus shifted from military activities to vibrant and competitive aesthetic displays that serve to project power and dominance. Frankaa flags are imbued with history and come to life during community performances, carrying messages and practices that remain relevant and contemporary for Ghanaian people today.
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The Ndebele People

The Ndebele People

The Ndebele people, a prominent ethnic group in southern Africa, are celebrated for their rich cultural heritage and distinctive artistic traditions. Residing primarily in South Africa's Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces, the Ndebele are renowned for their unique art forms, particularly their elaborate painted houses and expressive beadwork.
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The Kuba Kingdom: Bwoom Helmet Mask

The Kuba Kingdom: Bwoom Helmet Mask

The Bwoom, one of the three royal masks, holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of the Kuba people residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its origins dating back to the seventeenth century. This ancient mask is a central figure in various ceremonial events, embodying distinct characteristics.
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Benin Bronze: The History, The Meaning and The Magnitude

Benin Bronze: The History, The Meaning and The Magnitude

The original Benin Bronzes were crafted by specialized guilds serving the royal court of the Oba (king) in Benin City, now part of Nigeria. They included intricately adorned cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal and human figures, royal regalia, and personal ornaments.
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Big Buy at Africa Direct

Big Buy at Africa Direct

A delightful trader arrived with a truck brimming with one-of-a-kind goods, handpicked by Elizabeth for our store. Among the treasures are top-notch Asafo flags, a rarity we've been longing for. Our collection also boasts an array of wooden bowls, throwing knives, trade beads, and textiles, including exquisite white mudcloths and striking indigo fabrics.
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African Art

African Art

For African communities, African art and trade beads are used as a way of conveying these sentiments, while also serving as a way to express entertainment, political values and ideological views. This is what makes African art and trade beads so special. Each piece of African art is unique and holds a world of history and cultural significance. That is why, today African art has become highly collectible throughout the world.
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Bamileke

Bamileke

The Bamileke are an enormous culture, part of the so-called "Grasslands" group, who are spread widely over large parts of western Cameroon. Though there are many smaller groups, the Bamileke, Bamun, and Bamenda-Tikar are dominant. 
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