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1619 Conversations with West African Art

Notes by Sharon Jarrett

The 1619, Lingering Imprint Discussion Group met February 21, 2025 at 12:00 PST.  Participants included Village and none Village members.  Helene Rheingold presented to the group, Conversations with West African Art.  The meeting was recorded and is available on the Pasadena Village Youtube channel via the link above.

Ms. Rheingold presented eight items representing artwork from the Benin Empire and modern day work representing the current day nations of Senegal, Congo, Ghana, Nigeria and Mali.

Before beginning her remarks, Ms. Rheingold reviewed the following terms:

• Raffia:  a fiber made of palm
• Diviner:  a person who invokes and connects to the spiritual world
• Scarification:  marking the skin, tattooing

The items presented included:

1. The Dogan Couple, a sculpture
   • The sculpture demonstrated cooperation and equality with a culture and family
2. The Idia, an Ivory pendant
   • The face represents the mother of the ruler. 
3. A Salt Cellar, ivory, commissioned by the Portuguese royal family
   • A functional item with elaborate carving
4. A prestige stool, wood
   • A stool used by an elder
5. A black and white photograph of an ancestor alter
6. A carved elephant tusk
7. A statue of a figure representing jurisprudence, Enkisi Enkandi
8. A current day assemblage by L. Anaksui
   • A large assemblage made of plastic, metal and fabric, all repurposed

Each piece was presented and comments sought from the participants.  The conversation focused on the item, as well as thoughts about social structures, gender roles, influence on Western art and historical influences.  The recording will provide this.

For Black History Month, we have an extra 1619 Presentation coming up on February 28th at 12 noon. This will be a presentation by Bill Gould V about his grandfather's father. This is a story of a man who escaped enslavement, served in the the Union Navy and went on to become a successful businessman and community leader. This is a very interesting and uplifting history and we are looking forward to having it presented.

As always, the 1619 meetings are open and we are happy to have guests attend. Contact our office via email or by phone at 626-765-6037 to get the link to the meeting.