The V&A holds a variety of material from Africa. The collections include important historic artefacts from Egypt, Ghana and Ethiopia, as well as ceramics, textiles and glassware from North Africa, and prints and photographs from southern Africa.
V&A and Africa
The V&A has collected African objects since its inception, and has been active in representing African heritage of the diaspora, and given prominence to projects related to…
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Tunisian Textiles at the Great Exhibition
The first objects made in Africa that were acquired by the V&A were seventeen textiles from Tunisia, including woollen cloaks (bernous), cotton saddle bags, blankets, men’s…
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Four Zulu Pots
Although more research is required to accurately date the pots they would have been created at some point in the 19th century, a period witness to increasing production and…
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Treasures from Ethiopia
The collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum include a number of Ethiopian objects and images. Many of these are associated with a British military expedition undertak…
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Arm Ring of an African Leader
This bronze arm ring was originally amongst the possessions of a southern African leader.
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A Rock Crystal Ewer from Egypt
This ewer, or jug, from Egypt, appears at first to be made of glass or even ice. It was, in fact, made from a single piece of rock crystal which was carefully hollowed out,…
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A Wissa Wassef Tapestry
A Wissa Wassef tapestry. Given to the V&A in 2008, 'Ali Salim's piece offers a unique contemporary counterpoint to the Museum's important and extensive collection of Ancien…
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Beauty Secrets: A Sowo Mask
This wooden mask is associated with a secret women's society which exists in parts of West Africa. Sande masks are usually made of lightweight bombax wood, smoothed down wi…
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Asante Gold
Gold was central to Asante art and belief. At a political level, gold indicated the kingdom's dominance over rivals. Much gold entered the Asante court via tribute or war a…
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Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
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Beaufort West
At the half-way point along South Africa's great highway - the N1 running from Cape Town to Johannesburg - lies the small town of Beaufort West. With …
Buy nowEvent - Dare to Dream - Visual Culture of Campaigns, Protests and Civil Rights 1955-1985
Fri 23 August 2013 18:30
SPECIAL EVENT: Explore power and militancy through posters, photographs, clothes, music, film and the word on the street.
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