Introduction

In terms of land mass, Africa is a large continent, in which all of the United States, Europe, China, India, Mexico, and Japan could easily fit. It is also a place of tremendous diversity, in terms of languages spoken, ethnic identities, cultural traditions, environments in which people live and work, and historic experiences. Sadly, popular culture has profoundly shaped what Africa, Africans, and their rich and diverse cultures are “supposed” to look like, emphasizing the mysterious and exotic.

This collection of African art is comprised of nearly 60 objects, many of which are on display in the Mortvedt Library where a small exhibition space has been created in the stairwell leading to the 3rd floor. Dr. J. Hans and Thelma Lehmann beginning in 1972, and Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb between 2007 and 2011, gave PLU the masks, figures and other objects that comprise the collection. These represent works from 16 different countries and the creative output of artist from nearly 30 different cultural traditions.