Constantine Petridis

This fall’s major exhibition devoted to sculptural arts across the African continent focuses on how the originating cultures of these objects view, value, and talk about their art.

Discover the functions and meanings behind one of the most striking art forms of the Zulu and other Nguni-speaking peoples in southeast Africa—wooden neckrests.

Find out how this abstractly carved figure commemorating Metang, the 10th king of Batufam, conveys the ideals of kingship.

Learn how the master Kpeenbele potters—all women—make their striking works and consider how their forms and refined decorations evoke a function beyond the utilitarian.

The primary task of the nail-studded nkisi was to hunt down evil and wrongdoers.

This eye-catching mask, created in the Kuba Kingdom in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with both local and imported materials, opens a window onto indigenous ritual practices as well as other forms of trade and cultural exchange between Africa and Europe. 

With respectful consideration of materials, techniques used in making, history, cultural value, and aesthetic significance, Brittany Dolph Dinneen and Susan Elizabeth Gagliardi from Emory University discuss this Kono helmet mask from the collection.

Curator Constantine Petridis explores this iconic example of Malangatana’s signature style, one of his first works exhibited outside of Mozambique.

You’ll want to keep an eye out for these paintings when you visit Malangatana: Mozambique Modern.