An Ancient, Modern, Concept from Africa

 This is an excellent example of the Art of the Sculptors of West Africa.

It is a mask of the Guro people, carved from wood, with a polychrome finish.

The entire piece is carved from a single wood billet, spectacularly demonstrating the maker's skill.

It depicts the position of the human species within the Creation.

The face is surrounded by animal features, signifying the dependence of people on the creatures around them.

The bird at the top, usually a Hornbill, represents the creatures of the air. 

The Antelope horns show the presence of the creatures of the bush or forest, and the serrations below show the jaws of the crocodile: a creature of the water.

The message is that each depends on the others for existence and survival.

What is done to one, affects all.

And now for some Good News from Africa .......

Poverty rates throughout the African continent have been falling steadily, and much faster than previously thought, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

The death rate of children under five years of age is dropping, with “clear evidence of accelerating rates of decline,” according to The Lancet.

Perhaps most encouragingly, Africa is “among the world’s most rapidly growing economic regions.” 

Before You Throw It Away .......

We stock these lovely Bracelets, made in West Africa, from Recycled Plastic Packaging.

We also carry a range of Jewellery and Basketware, some made from Electrical Wire, some from Waste Paper and some from Recycled Plastic.

Africans are infinitely resourceful and inventive, and re-use materials over and over, to great effect.

Next time you stare into your waste bin, just think how much you need not throw away!

Have a look for yourself:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=22&productID=2213&catpage=2

http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=23&productID=2055&catpage=2

http://www.justafrica.com.au/product.asp?categoryID=24&productID=1187&catpage=3

Attention!



Here is a good example of an older 'Colon' or colonial Figure.

It represents a 'General de Brigade' or Brigade General, of the 'Tirailleurs Senegalaise', a militia raised from West Africans in the old colonial period.

These soldiers fought alongside French troops in World War 1 and World War 2 with great distinction.

This authentic figure has some marks of wear and age.

See more -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=6&page=2

Special Pieces currently on display at Just Africa

This is a fine tribal door from West Africa.

It is carved in the traditional way, with two leaves held together by metal staples. The mask motif is skilfully executed, with the ears, eyes and mouth picked out in white clay.

The pegs at the top and bottom would have been set in clay or stone sockets, to allow the door to pivot.

The door shows signs of wear and usage appropriate to an authentic piece, and it is in very good general condition.

Here are further authentic and fine pieces for the discerning collector -

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=5



Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted during its 62nd session in New York City on 13 September 2007.

The UN describes it as –

… "an important standard for the treatment of indigenous people, that will undoubtedly be a significant tool towards eliminating human rights violations, and assist in combating discrimination and marginalization."

It is estimated that indigenous people number 370 million across the world.

Here is a selection of the traditional work of some of these people:

http://www.justafrica.com.au

Text courtesy of http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

The Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery

The Abolition of Slavery Act

By 1783, an Anti-Slavery movement to abolish the Slave Trade throughout the Empire had begun among the British public.

In 1785, the English poet William Cowper wrote:

"We have no slaves at home – Then why abroad? Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs receive our air, that moment they are free. They touch our country, and their shackles fall. That's noble, and bespeaks a nation proud. And jealous of the blessing. Spread it then, And let it circulate through every vein."

In fact, Slavery was officially abolished in most of the British Empire on 1 August 1834.

The Royal Assent to the Bill was given on 28 August 1833, making it law.

Image and text courtesy of -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_Abolition_Act_1833http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_Abolition_Act_1833

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BLAKE10.JPG

My Very Popular Friend .....

Bon Jour! Last time my good friend introduced himself, and invited you to visit him.

He is now very popular, so I thought I would follow his example.

I am a photographer, and I live at Just Africa.

As you see, I always have my camera with me. You never know when a Photo Opportunity will arise.

You can see my work on the website. I think it is very good.

I take all kinds of photos. See some of my portfolio for yourself here:

http://www.justafrica.com.au/products.asp?categoryID=23





Melbourne Theatre Company

Fantastic pics from the Melbourne Theatre Company's 2011 Season Programme, featuring one of our Dan masks.

World Cup Competition - WIN a Fair Trade Jinta Sports soccer ball worth $37.50!

The 2010 World Cup, featuring teams from Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, of course Australia, starts today!

Click on the image below for your chance to win a Fair Trade Jinta Sports soccer ball worth $37.50!

Sydney Morning Herald - Essential Style

Featured above: Zulu Basket by Linden Jele SOLD and Dan Mask $790
Click on the image to read the full article