In honor of Black History Month, the NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum has invited the community to join them on Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 3 - 5 p.m. to view their newest exhibit of African Wax prints, Wandering Spirits.
Ross Slacks, executive director of the museum, says that the prints are a tribute to the century-old, handmade designs and patterns on textiles that originated in Indonesia and eventually found a home in Africa. The wax prints were created by repeatedly constructing wax patterns on top of six-yards of fabric and dyeing them with color.
The designs that are found in the modern-day cultures of many African countries can trace their roots back to these prints. According to Slacks, "The success of the prints on the African scene was driven by many factors such as culture, taste, and the desires of the African consumer, and people really loved the vibrant colors."
The prints were not only used as art or fashion. Many times, the fabrics were a means of communication in African communities. "They were used to send secret messages, retold local poverbs, depicted a person's social status, and more," says Slacks.
Along with the wax prints, there will also be a chance to view the paintings of Bernard Menyweather, a musical art performance by Karen Gant, and poetry from Jamie Mayes in celebration of African-American art and inventions.
Tickets to the event are $10 for adults, $5 for teenagers, and free for children 10 and under. The cost of attendace includes admission to the museum, refreshments throughout the night, and a chance to try authentic Nigerian food.
For more information about the NELA Delta African American Heritage Museum's celebration of Black History Month, call (318) 342-8889 or click here.