A Spiritual Ordering: The Metal Arts of Africa

Duration: 20

Year Published: 1983

Creator: The African-American Institute

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Description: R. F. Thompson, Yale University, introduces examples of major metal artifacts and sculpture from Western and Central Africa. Traces important themes such as the equestrian figure and zoomorphic representations of the snake. Illustrates representation of the theme of possession among the Yoruba as shown in a bronze mask from the Lower Niger. Rare footage taken in 1926 by the Swedish missionary Orhneman documents iron forging techniques practiced by Congolese craftsmen. Shows the lost wax process as used by the Ebre people of the Ivory Coast. Funded by the Texas Committee for the Humanities, Austin, Texas. Honorable Mention, 1984 American Film Festival.