As part of "Wangechi Mutu: Intertwined," a selection of works are on view from NOMA’s historic African art collection that deepen understanding, speak to lived experiences in the wake of colonial impact, or share spiritual or human interconnections with Mutu`s practice.⁠
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One of the works is a large divination bowl by the Yorùbá master carver commonly known as Àrẹògún. Ògún is the Yorùbá deity of iron, and thus the patron òrìṣà of all professions that employ the use of metal tools, including blacksmiths, warriors, hunters, and carvers. So renowned is this artist that a praise poem, or oríkì, celebrates his fame, noting that he “carved for kings” and his “mother lived to see his greatness.”⁠
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On its top register, this phenomenal bowl features detailed scenes of earthly life supported by a base of carved òrìṣà devotees grasping their various artifacts of worship. The bowl would likely have held implements of the owner’s divination practice—a divination tray and chains, beads, cowrie shells, kola or palm nuts, and a tapper used to garner attention from spiritual guides.⁠
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🔗 Click the link in our bio to learn more about this work and its relationship to Mutu`s contemporary practice.⁠
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🎨: Dada Àrẹògún of Osi-Ilorin (Yorùbá, c. 1880-1954), Ekiti State, Nigeria, "Divination Bowl (opon igede Ifá)," early 20th century. Wood. Museum purchase with funds in honor of E. John Bullard’s 25th anniversary as Director of NOMA, 98.52.⁠
📍: First floor, Ella West Freeman Galleries⁠
📷: @ky.laaa___ ...

This 1950s caviar dish by Lalique contrasts transparent and satin-sheet finish glass to emphasize the opulence of its contents. ➡️🔗 Swipe to learn more and then click the link in our bio to keep reading an article by @decorativeartstrust Curatorial Fellow Laura Ochoa Rincon.⁠
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🎨: Marc Lalique, Lalique (Paris, France, founded 1888), “Dolphin” Caviar Bowl, c. 1955–60. Lead glass. New Orleans Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Lynott, 2010.28. ...

Final Week ⏰ The last day to catch "Debbie Fleming Caffery: In Light of Everything," on view in the Great Hall and the museum`s second-floor Zita & Luther Templemann Galleries is this Sunday, May 5.⁠
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Including nearly 100 dramatic black-and-white photographs, "In Light of Everything" is the first career retrospective for the important Louisiana-born photographer. The exhibition presents examples from @debbieflemingcaffery`s most important series made in the American South, Mexico, and France, from the 1970s to the present.⁠
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👉 Click the link in our bio to learn more.⁠
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📸: Installation views of "Debbie Fleming Caffery: In Light of Everything." ...