Splendor

Splendor: West African Art from the Collection of Alfred Prince, Part I

Organized by the Samek Art Gallery

Curated by Dan Mills

October 23 - December 8, 2009

Dr. Alfred Prince has an extraordinary collection of West African art. With strengths including life-size carved wooden figures, masks made with a wide variety of materials, cast and worked metal objects, and wooden furniture, the collection is extensive.

This is the first in a series of exhibitions planned over the next several years that will focus different areas of Dr. Prince's collection. During each exhibition, students will research various objects in conjunction with their courses. A post-series publication will illustrate the exhibitions and include student writing.

"Splendor, Part I" focuses on the human figure. The sculptures will represent fertility, maternity, sacred subjects, and death. Some figures are worn while dancing, while others serve more utilitarian purposes, or as fetishes. West African cultures represented in the exhibition include Baga, Bakakari, Bamana, Fon, Grebo, Koro, Senufo, and Toma. The countries of origin include Benin, Cameroon, Dogon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, and Nigeria.

Dr. Prince has given objects from his collection to the permanent collection, and has promised many more. Due to Dr. Prince's extraordinary generosity, the museum will one day have an important collection of objects that will make it possible for Bucknell students and the regional community to study African art and culture through direct access to West African art.