Unfossilizing African Art

Presented after extensive research, this exhibition recontextualizes African material culture objects held in the GW Collection for nearly 50 years. Led by Assistant Professor Clement Akpang, 59 students from four seminar courses offered between Fall 2024 and Spring 2026, conducted original research to deepen understanding of the university’s holdings and update how we interpret and exhibit these objects. The exhibition features 37 tangible heritage objects, ranging from an Egúngún Paaka from Yorubaland to a Kii [brass pipe], attributed to the Baumum people of Cameroon, accompanied by images and video that illuminate their rich histories. Research on the entire collection is presented in an accompanying illustrated publication. Image: Once Known Mende carver [Mende, Sierra Leone], Sowei, 19th-20th century, wood, varnish, 16 H x 10 W x 10 D in. Gift of Stephen A. Spear, 1975 (P.75.2.30)