Jewellery in a wide variety of shapes and materials has always accompanied and fascinated people of all cultures. From a cultural point of view, however, bracelets and anklets, amulets, finger rings and necklaces are much more than just pieces of jewellery. In large parts of Africa,the masterfully crafted precious items are valued for their beauty, but these valuable ornaments are also part of religious beliefs. They are therefore testaments to the affiliation, rank and faith of the wearer.

Pieces ranging from, head adornments, baskets and textiles made from fine raffia fibre, grass and bark were also important symbols of prestige, wealth and status in many cultures throughout Africa from the 19th Century onwards.

This unique exhibition endeavours to portray the richness, variety and beauty of these contrasting mediums.

Free