September 25, 2018 – February 16, 2019

Wrist Knives

American pop culture has had a recent fascination with African cultural objects.  The record-breaking movie Black Panther was celebrated for its unique costumes and set designs.  Many of the movie props on screen were inspired by real-life clothes, jewelry, weapons, and tools used by African societies.  Similarly, the bestselling YA novel Children of Blood and Bone, Jimmy Fallon’s first selection for the Tonight Show Book Club, also leans heavily on African influences.  The fantasy world of Orïsha is full of references to Yoruba religious practices. This exhibit showcases some of the actual African objects that have inspired American pop culture.