MXIBS African Art Opening
Stella Sabina, Bernard Meyer ’08 and Wamidan play a welcoming song for the official opening of The Malcolm X Institute of Black Studies Eiteljorg Permanent Collection of African Art. Photo by Amina McIntyre
The central gathering place of the MXIBS building is newly adorned with masks from the Permanent Collection of African Art.
MXIBS Director and Associate Professor of English Tim Lake delivers opening remarks while holding an Ashanti Chief's staff Lake brought back from his studies in Ghana. "For me, the Chief's staff is connected with the staff of investiture carved in 1970 by Keith Nelson '71 shortly after the founding of the MXIBS," Lake says. "The staff of investiture is also a symbol of authority and is passed from the outgoing chairman to incoming chairman each year."
A Senufo Kpele Mask from Ivory Coast, an artifact from the Permanent Collection: "One of the most recognizable of African masks, and one which impressed and influenced Picasso."
Wamidan dancer and musician Kyle Prifogle ’09 leads the group during the final dance number. Photo by Amina McIntyre
A Ciwara Antelope Headdress (female) from Mali: "Antelope headdresses are seen as mediators between the worlds of the living and the dead."
Quincy Dotson ’11 was one of several students giving "tours" of the new exhibit.
A Ciwara Antelope Headdress (male) faces the photograph of Malcolm X in the central gathering space of the MXIBS.
Wamidan musician Brian McCafferty plays drums with an MXIBS guest, Tatchi "DK" Anouan.
Manchester Professor Benson Onyeji listens attentively to Wabash art professor and art historian Elizabeth Morton.
Professors Onyeji and Morton enjoy a laugh after the ceremony.
