Egypt's Rival in Africa to illustrate the art and lifestyles of the Nubians who inhabited the Nile Valley to the South of Egypt. Although parts or Nubia were, at times, dominated by Egypt politically, Nubians developed imposing kingdoms of their own. Through the use of artifacts ranging in date from 3,000 B.C. to A.D. 600, this lecture will allow the listener to witness the ebb and flow of indigenous cultural developments, including the establishment of a Nubian monarchy that ruled Egypt as the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. Stacie Olson Dances of the Old Mali Empire Mali has a long and rich history, which reached a glorious peak during medieval times when the empire of Mali controlled strategic trade routes across the Sahara Desert. Using discussion, demonstration and video, Ms. Brown will explain the meaning of these beautiful dances, the healing powers of traditional musical instruments that accompany them and how some of these features have been transformed in Africa-America.
Hair is another important sculptural medium in Africa.
African societies developed a unique sculptural tradition of weaving hair into complex and intricate designs of braids, twists and coils which expressed the social and cultural identity of the wearer. American slaves brought this from West Africa and over the centuries elaborated it into the unique art form known collectively as African-American hair sculpture. Using slides, videos and demonstrations, master braiders Katherine Jones and Yvette Smalls will trace the historical development of African-American hair sculpture. Ms. Smalls will concentrate on the creative and artistic aspects, Ms. Jones will focus more on the professional side of hair sculpture in the United States, and compare African-American and West African hair sculpture. This general style of female solo interpretive dance is known and appreciated all over the Arab world including Northern Africa.