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Earthen Architecture of Africa: Of Buildings and Belief

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Earthen Architecture of Africa: Of Buildings and Belief

Afternoon Lecture/Seminar

Friday, November 19, 2021 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET
Code: 1H0647
Location:
This program is part of our
Smithsonian Associates Streaming series.
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$20
Member
$25
Non-Member

Extraordinary variety and unexpected beauty are the trademarks of the unique architecture found in desert environments. For centuries, monumental and aesthetically innovative structures made from mud and earthen material have been built across the African continent. They range from roofs with life-size mud-sculpted sentinels standing guard to columns carved into fine relief. In large kingdoms and small-scale societies, these buildings were used as dwellings or gathering spaces, but also to communicate fundamental social, cultural, and religious beliefs.

Kevin Tervala, associate curator of African art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, explores the use of buildings to signify identity in Africa. He also examines how the introduction of Islam in the 7th century restructured the social and architectural fabric of western African societies and cultures, influencing the design of earthen architecture.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*

Patron Information

  • If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
  • Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
  • Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
  • Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
  • View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.

*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.