Wabash college
found September 7, 2007 at www.wabash.edu
Wabash
College - P.O.Box 352, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 - 765-361-6100
The
Wabash College Art Department is pleased to present "The Wabash College
Eiteljorg Collection of African Art: Art, Life, and Spirit in Africa"
Gelede Head.
The Eric Dean Gallery beginning Monday, September 10, 2007 and running through
November 29, 2007. An opening reception will be held 8-9:30 p.m., Monday, September
10, 2007. The public is encouraged to attend this free event.
This exhibition highlights the Wabash College’s wonderful collection of
African art. The collection is a gift from world-renowned art collector,
Harrison Eiteljorg and his son Roger S. Eiteljorg, Wabash College class of 1970.
The works come from different cultural groups across the African continent,
including some stunning pieces by well-known groups such as the Yoruba, Kuba and
the Akan.
The exhibit gives a small glimpse into the traditional spiritual lives of
Africans. Almost all of the works are ancestral figures or masks, and are
therefore reminders of the dynamic relationship between humans, the natural
world, and the spirit world. Despite cultural differences, most Africans value a
family bond that links the past, present, and future. Thus, many of the masks
and figures play a vital role in channeling the spirits of ancestors so that
they may advise, assist, and protect the living. Other spirits are also brought
to life through masquerades, especially those of totem animals or bush spirits.
The Eric Dean Gallery is located on the south end of the Fine Arts Center.
Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public.