Author: Simon Fraser

  • Voodoo dolls

    Voodoo (Vodun) is a derivative of the world’s oldest known religions which have been around in Africa since the beginning of human civilization. The word “voodoo” comes from the West African word “vodun,” meaning spirit. West African voodoo is practiced by about 30 million people, and is most prominant in nations like Ghana, Benin and…

  • West African Batiks

    African batiks were pioneered by the Yoruba peoples of Nigeria and the Wolof of Senegal. Eventually blending with similar mediums from Asia, batiks have become highly cherished across West Africa. Blending traditional and contemporary techniques, designs can portray everything from marital status to political, religious beliefs and cultural stories. Prints range from abstract geometry to…

  • Colonial Statues from Ivory Coast

    Colonial statues are a genre of wooden figurative sculpture within African Art which originated during the colonial period. The statues commonly depict European colonial officials such as civil servants, doctors, soldiers or technicians or Europeanised middle-class Africans. They are often characterised by recurrent decorative motifs, such as suits, official uniforms or tobacco pipes, and are…

  • Dogon doors from Mali

    The Dogon people of Central Mali are best known for their religious traditions, wood work and architecture. Due to the spiritual intent behind their craft, it has remained one of the most authentic in Africa. Dogon doors are intricately carved masterpieces from one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Traditionally used as granary…