The Philadelphia Museum of Art's exhibition "Head to Toe" offers an immersive exploration into the rich traditions of African wearable art. Curated by Imani Roach, Director of the Brind Center for African and African Diasporic Art, the exhibition features over 50 pieces from the Ira and Myrna Brind Collection, including jewelry, headdresses, and textiles. Each artifact embodies intricate craftsmanship and cultural narratives from diverse African communities.

Roach emphasizes the significance of materials such as raffia, cowrie shells, and glass beads, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also convey social status, spiritual beliefs, and communal identities. For instance, a crimson beaded crown adorned with chameleons from the Yoruba people of Nigeria exemplifies the fusion of artistry and symbolism. Similarly, a Bwami Society headdress from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, crafted from plant fibers and shells, reflects the spiritual and social functions of such adornments.

The exhibition is organized geographically and thematically, highlighting the diversity of African cultures. Roach notes, "That's an important aspect of the exhibition, to introduce and emphasize the diversity and that obviously Africa is not a country. It is many nations with hundreds and possibly thousands of various peoples." 

"Head to Toe" is part of the museum's broader initiative to highlight underrepresented art forms and cultures. The Brind Center, established through a generous gift from Ira Brind and Stacey Spector, aims to expand the museum's collection and appreciation of African and African Diasporic art. The exhibition serves as a prelude to the center's permanent galleries, set to open in Fall 2026.

The exhibition invites visitors to engage with the profound artistry and cultural heritage of African wearable art, encouraging a deeper understanding of the continent's rich and diverse traditions.

Sources:

• "Art museum’s ‘Head to Toe’ collection highlights African and Asian wearables in all their complexity"

• "Head to Toe: African and Asian Wearables from the Ira and Myrna Brind Collection"

• "The Philadelphia Museum of Art Announces Curatorial Director for Newly Established Center for African and African Diasporic Art"press.philamuseum.org+1press.philamuseum.org+1