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How Do You Imagine Africa?

Is personal appearance an important perspective for examining a culture?

Clothing, hairstyles, and accessories are things that we think about every day, even if it is only for a few minutes. When people discuss cultures, however, they often focus on other issues like religion, politics, or history.

Posted into Imagine Fashion | 8 Comments »

What role did slavery play in creating America?

It would be impossible to teach American history without discussing slavery. However, most history books only discuss the economic impacts of enslaved people, while ignoring the cultural impacts. Enslaved Africans came to the Americas with their own skills, knowledge, and culture, which influenced the history and culture of the Americas.

Posted into Imagine Strength | 8 Comments »

Why do you think the great kingdoms of Africa are less well-known than kingdoms from Europe and Asia?

The best-known African kingdom is undoubtedly Egypt, but most people would find it difficult to name another one. European or Asian philosophers, kings, and conquerors are common knowledge in America, while their African counterparts remain virtually unknown.

Posted into Imagine Power | 10 Comments »

Should traditional healing practices be used to treat diseases like AIDS?

Much has been written about traditional African medicine. Some people praise traditional practices as being more holistic and community oriented, while others question the effectiveness of old practices, when compared to modern drugs and interventions.

Posted into Imagine Healing | 6 Comments »

Can Christianity and Islam be considered “African” religions even though they did not originate in Africa?

Although they began in the Middle East, both Christianity and Islam have deep roots in Africa. Both faiths grew and spread throughout Africa before gaining popularity elsewhere.

Posted into Imagine the Divine | 6 Comments »

Is there value in protecting traditional craft techniques in the face of modern methods of mass production?

Today, it is much faster and cheaper to buy the things we need instead of making them. As a result, traditional craft-making processes around the world, including Africa, are disappearing.

Posted into Imagine Creating | 5 Comments »

Should rites of passage that can cause lifelong repercussions be protected as cultural traditions?

Positive aspects of rites of passage include close family and community ties. But, some rights of passage can leave permanent physical marks on the practitioner, even leading to physical disability in some cases.

Posted into Imagine Changing | 3 Comments »

Is it better to study the techniques and materials used to make art, or the meaning of each piece?

All artwork can have many meanings. Art critics often discuss only the symbolism and interpretation of the work. However, the techniques artists use to create their works are often very complex and equally worthy of study.

Posted into Imagine Beauty | 5 Comments »





 
 


Imagine Africa with the Penn Museum is a project of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street, Philadelphia PA 19104 | (215) 898-4000 | www.penn.museum