African sculptures exhibition opens in Chengdu

African sculptures are an embodiment of the remarkable wisdom and imagination of the African people. They are one of the best legacies of global civilizations. On February 12, an art exhibition, Dance with Gods: African Sculptures, was unveiled in the Jinsha Ruins Museum in Chengdu. The exhibition also marked the beginning of the 2015 Jinsha Taiyang Festival. This is the first featured African culture exhibition in the museum. Before the exhibition, media reporters were invited to an on-site visit on February 8, the 14th anniversary commemorating the discovery of the Jinsha ruins.

At the entrance of the exhibition hall, some featured pictures of totem poles, chieftain’s chairs, and decorative ivory horns create a strong visual impact with primal and mysterious African culture. A total of 190 pieces of sculptures from the southern Sahara in the 17-19th century have been meticulously chosen, including delicately carved living appliances, god sculptures of different shapes and sacrifice masks of various kinds. To better demonstrate the cultural significance of these sculptures, detailed introductions were given in four aspects, touching on subjects like living appliances and power symbols. Luo Chunxiao, director of the Display Research Department of the Jinsha Ruins Museum, said that human engineering theories have been applied for this exhibition. The height and width of the platforms will not only meet the display needs of the exhibits, but also ensure a comfortable and pleasing experience for visitors. The exhibition will last until May 3.