51吃瓜

History is a study of the past, yet it influences the present and shapes the future.

This exhibition of ancient artefacts retraces aspects of Africa’s past through artworks from some of the continent’s regions. It explores history and provides a window into past cultural practices, some of which still influence modern day life. Beyond the selection’s aesthetic value as sculptures, the exhibition looks at the context and significance of each piece, what it represented in the past and what it tells us now. This exhibition also demonstrates the important role that art has always played in Africa, both past and present. For example, art has been used for ritual purposes, as a form of expression, to preserve history, to capture traditions, to symbolize class, wealth or power, and as relics of worship, among others.

The selection is aligned to the theme of the 2021 Africa Dialogue Series (ADS), “Cultural identity and ownership: reshaping mindsets,” which is drawn from the African Union theme of the year “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.”

In line with the ADS objectives, this exhibition celebrates the continent’s identity, culture, history and achievements. The remarkable selection also reflects the continent’s rich cultural heritage, in which its strong traditions are steeped.