goSmithsonian - February 2008 - (Page 52) THE BASICS HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed December 25. ADDRESS: 950 Independence Avenue, SW TEL: 202.633.1000 (voice/tape) 202.633.5285 (TTY) WEB: africa.si.edu METRO: metro ® National Museum of African Art The National Museum of African Art is home to the largest publicly held collection of contemporary African art in the United States, as well as the famous Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection of more than 525 pieces of the finest traditional African sculpture. The three-level underground museum on the National Mall features textiles, household objects, architectural elements, decorative arts and musical instruments. Its diverse collection is drawn from many of Africa’s more than 900 cultures. M ● ● Smithsonian (ORANGE AND BLUE LINES) Highlights Most rare: A 15th-century hunting horn from Sierra Leone (at left), in “ African Vision: The Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection” on Level 1, is one of only three extant to be attributed to this unknown artist. Most Singular: A Cameroon male figure, located on Level 1 (below), is the only one of its kind. Possibly depicting an Isu Kingdom king who reigned in the late 18th century, his threatening stance—his enemy’s head in one hand and a cutlass in the other— can’t be denied. See contemporary African art as well as the works of the continent’s ancient masters. Most surprising: Check out the museum’s collection of contemporary artwork; note the subtlety of form and color in Reduced Angled Spouted Black Piece 1990 (above) by Kenya’s Magdalene Anyango N. Odundo in the street-level pavilion. Most Amazing: A 16th-century Yoruba armlet (top) from Nigeria on Level 1, is carved from a single piece of ivory. WHAT’S GOING ON: “El Anatsui: Gawu” (opens March 12); “Treasures II” (opens April 9), information subject to change. DRAWING AND PHOTOGRAPHY Drawing materials, such as pencils or conté crayons, are permitted. Photographs may be taken in the permanent collections but not in the temporary exhibitions. The figure likely depicts a powerful king. A 15th-century ivory horn from Sierra Leone depicts the royal crests of Portugal and Spain, indicating it was made for export to Europe. 52 www.goSmithsonian.com FRANKO KHOURY (4) http://africa.si.edu http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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