Although often misunderstood by the West, African art had an enormous impact on the world. While Africans created objects for culturally specific functions, their aesthetics challenged Western society and shaped its perceptions. This exhibit presents the relationship between the cultural functions of African art objects and the historical context of their global influence. The exhibition addresses modern questions of cultural appropriation, representation, and repatriation in presenting this updated interpretation.

Using NAAMCC’s extensive African Art collection, Wright State University Graduate students in Public History assisted the NAAMCC curatorial staff with its creation. You can also view our other exhibits, African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory, Rhythm of Revolution and Queens of the Heartland, and meet our curators.