UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER |
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania funds the Outreach Lecture Program of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Its mission is to make the resources of the Museum available throughout the library system of the state of Pennsylvania. The 1994-95 lecture topics for adults include: Nubia; Egypt's Rival in Africa; Dances of the Old Mali Empire; Hair Itage: The Art of African-American Hair Sculpting; the History and Mystery of Belly Dance; Kente Cloth: A Window into Ghana; Moving Perspectives on Dance; and Tunisia: Crossroads of Culture; To Visit the African Continent.
The 1994-95 lecture topics for children include: Myths and Tales of Ancient
Egypt; Dance in Egypt as a Celebration of Daily Life; Life in Ancient Egypt;
Building Positive Self-Images in Children through African Dance; the Continent
of the Drum; and Daily Life of the Ancient Egyptians.
Ancient Nubia: Egypt's Rival in Africa
Explore the fascinating history of the Ancient Nubians through this illustrated lecture.
Based on the University of Pennsylvania Museum exhibition:
Slides for this lecture will focus on objects included in the exhibit
Stacie Olson
Dances of the Old Mali Empire
Mali has a long and rich history, which reached a glorious peak during medieval times when
the empire of Mali controlled strategic trade routes across the Sahara Desert. This talk
will explore the techniques and philosophies behind a variety of classical dances from
ancient Mali; dances such as the wolosodong, mandiani, linjin, saba and lamba. Using
discussion, demonstration and video, Ms. Brown will explain the meaning of these beautiful
dances, the healing powers of traditional musical instruments that accompany them and how
some of these features have been transformed in Africa-America.
Ms. Benita Brown
Hair Itage: The Art of African-American Hair Sculpting
African sculpture in wood and natural fibers is famous throughout the world. Hair is
another important sculptural medium in Africa. African societies developed a unique
sculptural tradition of weaving hair into complex and intricate designs of braids, twists
and coils which expressed the social and cultural identity of the wearer. American slaves
brought this from West Africa and over the centuries elaborated it into the unique art
form known collectively as African-American hair sculpture. Using slides, videos and
demonstrations, master braiders Katherine Jones and Yvette Smalls will trace the
historical development of African-American hair sculpture. Ms. Smalls will concentrate on
the creative and artistic aspects, Ms. Jones will focus more on the professional side of
hair sculpture in the United States, and compare African-American and West African hair
sculpture. (This lecture is available either in a one-hour format or as three separate
sessions.)
Ms. Katherine Jones and Ms. Yvette Smalls
The History and Mystery of Belly Dance
This general style of female solo interpretive dance is known and appreciated all over the
Arab world including Northern Africa. There is no formal choreography but instead a
variety of characteristic movements with which to interpret the music and show mastery of
the rhythm. In the villages of northern Africa most women dance as a social activity, at
weddings for example, in all-female groups. The character of this sensual dance style is
different in the big cities; particularly in Egypt where the dance has reached it most
highly developed form. Top dancers achieve the status of movie stars because of the
prominence of the entertainment industry. Through discussion, slides and demonstration ,
Ms. Siegel, as "Habiba" will trace the long history of this dance. Attend this
fascinating lecture and find out for yourself the skills needed for authentic belly
dance.
Barbara Siegel, "Habiba"
Kente Cloth: A Window into Ghana
Kente, the distinctive and beautiful cloth of the Asante people in Ghana, is worn for many
different types of formal occasions. These days it is worn at funerals and weddings and
other important ceremonies, as well as by people attending the king's court. Using
demonstrations and a video made in Ghana, this lecture will focus on the history,
construction and symbolism of Kente and will explore how recent interest in the cloth by
African-Americans has revitalized and modernized the traditional art.
Ms. Tahira Amatullah
Moving Perspectives on Dance
From ceremonial to street dance, enjoy a celebration of the strength and diversity of
African and African-American dance styles! Using examples from parts of east and west
Africa, this talk will trace the African elements of established dances in the U.S.,
ranging from traditional African-American dances such as gospel, jazz and blues to more
recent techniques such as breakdance and hip-hop. Special attention will be paid to
understanding the meaning of dance movements, the links between dance and music and the
role of dance as an integral part of the community's social fabric.
Dr. Patricia Reid-Merrit
Tunisia: Crossroads of Culture
Tunisia has a richly mixed cultural heritage that includes Phoenician, Berber, Roman,
Early Christian and Islamic elements. Today it is an extremely modern and moderate Islamic
state, which is host to the Arab League. Women's suffrage came immediately after
independence and education is a high priority for both girls and boys. At the same time,
Tunisians also have a high regard for their traditions and complex history. Join Ms.
Siegel for this wonderful tour and slide show about Tunisia.
Barbara Siegel, "Habiba"
To Visit the African Continent
Attention all would-be explorers, tourists and researchers! Before packing your bags for
Africa come to this presentation about the experiences of first time travelers to the
modern African continent. Drawing on examples from Egypt, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal
and Togo, some highlights of this lecture will include the major conceptions and
misconceptions about Africa today, cultural variations, the problem of cultural shock,
"searching for roots," and how to avoid the ugly American syndrome.
Dr. Patricia Reid-Merrit
The Continent of the Drum
Unlike western music, where the drum usually takes a backseat, most African music has a
drum as its centerpiece. The drum has such a special role in community life that many
African peoples see it as a part of link between them and their creator. This
presentation will focus on the "sekere," a handheld drum from the Yoruba People of
Nigeria. Using slides, video and pulsating demonstrations, Ms. Iyabunmi will explain how
the sekere is made, the materials used, the special skills needed to play it well, and the
meaning of traditional and modern Sekere music.
Ms. Omomola Iyabunmi
Previous Menu | Home Page | What's New | Search | Country Specific |