The Art of Cameroon (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1985 July 15 - 1985 October 15

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in July, 1985 and closed October 15, 1985. Located in Section 4, Floor 1 in Gallery 1 at the American Museum of Natural History. "The Art of the Cameroon" was an exhibition reflecting the rich culture of that West African nation.

Summary

"The Art of the Cameroon" was an exhibition reflecting the rich culture of that West African nation. Many of the 150 items displayed were borrowed from public and private collections in Africa, Europe and the United States. Others were on direct loan from Fons (chiefs) in Cameroon. On view were wood carvings, royal stools, animal icons, beaded sculptures, jewelry and ceremonial masks. Of particular note was the Afo-A-Kom, a large beaded sculpture of a male figure representing the prosperity of the kingdom. Most of the artifacts were from the Grassfields region, but also included were objects made by the Mambila people from the northern steppes and the Kirdi of the Mandara Hills. The exhibition was organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and was supported by a grant from Mobil. Accompanying the exhibition was a catalog written by Tamara Northern, curator of Ethnographic Art at the Hood Museum in Dartmouth, N.H. The exhibit was on view in Gallery 1 of the American Museum of Natural History from July 15 through October 15, 1985.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition services (SITES)

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, March 15, 1985. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

---

Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

American Museum of Natural History. Gallery 1.
Location of exhibition.

---