Until October 11, the deYoung Museum of San Francisco will have on display over 50 masks and sculptures from 4 Central African cultures, Luba, Chokwe, Songye (fetish figures) and Luluwa. Even though the 4 groups are different, they did share common beliefs. The pieces, fashioned mostly of wood with brass and bead touches, were made to appease the spirits and were thought to have the power to protect an individual from harm.
According to the museum catalog, the exhibit “examines the artistic traditions of the heart of Africa within the context of historical change, thus countering the commonly held perception of African art as an art without history. “
“Art and Power in the Central African Savanna” thru 10/11/09
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA