This topic is relevant to me as a cultural ambassador, creator of content, and artist with a strong understanding of the power of the image to communicate, evoke, provoke, and preserve my African heritage.
Being an Igbo prince, I grew up closely indoctrinated and participating in the cultural events in the court of my grandfather Ezeigwe Nnai Nsofor the 2nd. My father was the crown prince and made sure that his family was actively engaged. So it came to me early in life- I was passed on the baton to carry on our traditions and culture forward to future generations. As an artist, I came to some conclusions about rites and rituals, traditions, and their meaning for enriching the community. I witnessed how our African heritage was used to address societal needs.
Seeing African art preserved in museums is only a small part of the story. For instance, let me talk about the masks for the mmuo masquerade. A visitor to the museums may only see a small part of the story- a mask, which is part of an elaborate paraphernalia including raffia, headdress, etc. Experiencing these artworks in their dedicated spaces of use is another thing. There is a performative experience. In some instances for the initiate, deeper symbolism and messages are being communicated. At best, these disembodied bits and pieces of our history (masks) in foreign lands will point homewards to the Motherland, Africa. The full expression happens there. The mask must be danced, as Chinua Achebe points out in his book Arrows of God. Indeed, 'the world is like a mask dancing'- Chinua Achebe. Performance is key to appreciating, experiencing, and enjoying African art.
Teaching Africa Day is a 2-day event that begins on Friday, September 6 with a movie from 5-8pm. I hope you will also join us on Saturday, September 7 for Storytelling through the Ages: Past, Present, and Future at the National Museum of African Art. The event starts at 11 am. Let us continue talking about these things.
Click on the link to get your free tickets now- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teaching-africa-day-storytelling-through-the-ages-past-present-future-tickets-980432238217?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
So super proud of you cousin, bringing our ancestry heritage and stories to the world. No better person to tell these stories than one who have heard and learned from generations past. Carryon Prince Tony!!!