West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song – British Library

I visited the British Library for a tour recently and while I was there I decided to visit the new exhibition, West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song. Running until 16 February next year, the exhibition looks at the history of the region’s 17 nations and their use of words: spoken, written and sung.

I’m afraid to say I knew very little about West African culture and history before I visited the exhibition, and I found it very enlightening. The exhibition began with an examination of the myth of the founding of ancient Mali and went on to explore the myths and legends of the various peoples of the area, the history of the various nations and the effects of colonialism. In the modern day, it looked at writers, artists and human rights activists.

The exhibition consisted of manuscripts, film and sound recordings, clothes and textiles, books and photographs. It was very different from the exhibitions I usually go and see but I really enjoyed it.

 

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