Important New Acquisitions featured in Gallery of Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific
(Toronto, Ontario-December 15, 2010) The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) continues its celebration of a Season of Africa with the unveiling of never-before-seen objects acquired for the Museum’s African collection. These historical and contemporary objects, representing three important collections, introduce a visual reference to practices, rituals and traditions from various countries across Africa. These acquisitions will be on view in the Shreyas and Mina Ajmera Gallery of Africa, the Americas and Asia Pacific (level 3, Michael Lee Chin Crystal) this weekend, Saturday, December 18, 2010.
“These new objects are integral additions to the ROM’s African collection, adding vibrancy and content to our Africa displays,” said Silvia Forni, Curator of Anthropology from the ROM’s Department of World Cultures. “Each collection tells the story of a specific historic encounter with the African continent and each object participates in a unique way to the cultural performances of specific regions and cultural settings.”
Proverbial coffins from Ghana
A display of two colourful sculptural coffins from Ghana explore the funeral ceremonies of the Ga people who live on the coast of Ghana in the greater Accra area. In this part of the world, funerals are lavish and spectacular events that celebrate the passage from the world of the living to the world of the ancestors. ”Fantasy” coffins, or abebuu adekai meaning “receptacles of proverbs,” are chosen by families to illustrate the lifetime achievements of the deceased. The ROM displays two abebuu adekai. The Mercedes-Benz Coffin, usually associated with the display of economic wealth and status, was created specifically for the ROM by a prominent Accra coffin maker Paa Joe, whose coffins have been showcased in museums and galleries worldwide. The large Fish Coffin, made by Eric Adjetey Anang, JB, and the apprentices of the Kane Kwei workshop, highlights the importance of fishing among the Ga. These acquisitions were made possible with the generous support of the Louise Hawley Stone Charitable Trust.
Puppets, Masks and Musical Instruments
A display of puppets, masks and musical instruments, donated to the ROM in 2009 by Esther Amrad Dagan, explores the way in which performances are integral to African community life. Puppets, such as the 2 Kebe-kebe puppets from the Democratic of Congo, would be used in theatrical performances throughout the year. Puppet performances are highly entertaining community events with a very strong moral content: they make fun of antisocial behaviours, reinforce cultural norms and appropriate social relationships. The musical instruments refer to music and sound, essential to rituals, acts of healing and public performances. Among the new collection are a Ceremonial drum from Gabon and two Flutes from Burkina Faso. These objects are at once functional and beautiful as their presence is intended to add an important visual component to the performance. A selection of 20 masks from across Africa illustrates the strong connection between human and spiritual realms and the importance of audience involvement in public performances. This acquisition has been made possible by Esther Dagan who donated the pieces in this exhibit in memory of her daughter, Halit and in homage to all unknown African artists.
Yoruba ritual art
This exhibit, a highlight of the Jack and Iris Lieber Collection, showcases over 30 objects from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. Located predominantly in the western part of Nigeria, the Yoruba have developed a very complex religious system and cosmology that inform the selection of objects on display. The collection features Ifa divination objects – trays, tappers, cups and chains - used by specialized priests to consult with the gods on daily decisions, find solutions for problems or avert misfortunes. Other highlights include over ten Ere Ibeji, carved wooden figures used to worship and appease the spirits of deceased twins. The Yoruba have the highest rate of twin births in any culture and believe that twins have immense spiritual power. If one or both twins die, the family may commission a carved figure, an ere ibeji or “image of a twin.” These Ere Ibeji are cared for like a living child so that the spirit of the deceased twin may bring prosperity to the family.