African Mask

This is the transcript of an interview done by Maria Gallucci after the African Mask exhibition at the Kennedy Art Museum last year.

What do you feel is the importance of having young children experience programs and exhibits such as this one?

The only way we can bring the rest of the world to children especially those who may not have the privilege of traveling is to create a forum where they learn about other cultures. This helps them know that other ways of greeting, acting, speaking, dressing, playing, eating exist other than the American way.

What are some thoughts or comments you have about this week's program?

I really don’t like to see original artifacts [if you do find one so labeled please confirm if author is not "unknown"] especially sacred ones like masks out of context but an exhibition of copies provide a window for discourse. If we had regular, funding similar events (not necessarily mask exhibition) should be scheduled yearly. This can become a huge event by bringing in private sector participation so that at the end of the day the children learn, eat, play and go home with souvenirs. There should also be two (2) comment books on: What you expect? (to be signed before the event) and Comments about your experience? (to be signed after the event) Or feedback forms which all the children or some representatives can fill. With some success, this can become an event that draws children from two nations or states at the same time or simultaneously.

What things have you heard or seen during your presentation that interested you?

The presentation by Andrea Frohne on the Nigerian masks thrilled me especially the effort she made in pronouncing the names correctly. I found out that the question, “What does your name mean?” means different things to same age grades under different teaching environment; while some answered it as meaning the spelling, others answered it as significance and others answered it as what it implies. Generally people believe that American names are void of meaning but some of the children gave insight into their names. We seldom use Frisbee in Nigeria but a ‘place, plate or table mat’ could actually be used as a play ‘Frisbee’ mat. A mat in Nigeria could pass for rug and a lorry is simply a truck. I confirmed again that children all over the world have more similarities than differences and the experience children have gone through affects their disposition. Teaching more about other continents and people would help break boundaries of prejudice and intolerance and build bridges of integration.

Please feel free to mention anything else you want!

Children may be asked to look up information on the countries to be showcased. There should be snack bag or souvenirs for the children when an African country is showcased; the significance is that no child visits an African home and leave empty handed.