Collections
Discover our various material and immaterial exhibitions
Traditional African Art
The Afromusée’s Traditional African Art exhibition highlights the richness and cultural diversity of the African continent through a unique collection of traditional works. Sourced from several West and Central African countries, these pieces illustrate ancient artistic practices passed down from generation to generation, and reflect the values, beliefs and histories of different African communities.
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Works on display include wooden sculptures, ceremonial masks, dyed fabrics and ritual objects used in religious, social and community practices. Each object tells a story, from the symbolism of masks in ritual dances to the use of carvings to mark life’s milestones or honor ancestors. These handcrafted creations are imbued with profound meanings and are often associated with rituals of healing, protection or passage to adulthood.
Through this exhibition, the Afromusée enables visitors to discover the diversity and depth of West and Central African cultures. These works are not just art objects, but living witnesses to the history and traditions that continue to nurture the identity of many African communities, while enriching our overall understanding of our collective heritage.
Several mediation proposals are available on request: Thematic workshops, guided tours…
Terres Cuites Beta Israël
The Afromusée’s Terres Cuites Beta Israël are terracotta figurines created between 1960 and 1980 by the Ethiopian Jewish community Beta Israël, mainly in villages in Ethiopia. These sculptures, depicting human figures and cultural elements, illustrate the craftsmanship and traditions of this unique community.
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Although the majority of this community returned to Israel in the 1980s, Montrealers of Beta Israel origin are still part of our diversity.
Collected by Marc Lemieux, former Canadian ambassador to Ethiopia, these works, donated by his daughter Diane Lemieux, enrich our understanding of our collective identity.
Lucie Kamuswekera's embroideries
Through her evocative illustrations, she explores the traumas of the colonial past, as well as the scars left by the wars that have torn this great country at the heart of the African continent apart for decades. But beyond the tragedy, her works celebrate the resilience and strength of Congolese women. As Professor Bogumil so aptly put it: “At the height of tragedy, it is always the women who not only enable society to survive biologically, but also to reconstitute itself socially and morally.”
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On her embroideries, the artist powerfully recounts the complex and tumultuous history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while highlighting the crucial role of women in the survival and resilience of Congolese society. By embroidering images on used burlap sacks, she illustrates the history of the region and attempts to explain the historical roots of the violence that ravages it today.
The exhibition comes to life through the words of the artist herself: “I started embroidering when people started dying.” These words resonate deeply at the heart of the exhibition, underlining the intimate link between art and human experience, even in the darkest periods of history.
This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on the transformative power of art and human resilience. It is also an ode to art’s ability to bear witness to history, heal the wounds of the past and inspire hope for the future of the DRC, Africa and humanity as a whole.
Citizen Collection
The Afromusée’s Citizen Collection is a unique initiative that highlights the stories and experiences of Canadians of African descent through works inspired by prominent figures, iconic places and historical events. Every February, the Afromusée organizes a live painting session in front of the public, where artists create works illustrating these significant elements in connection with the theme chosen for the occasion.
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These creative sessions have become a much-anticipated tradition for artists and visitors alike. They offer an exceptional opportunity to see artists in action, and to discover how they transform ideas and inspirations into vibrant, meaningful works of art. The event attracts a wide audience, enabling the public to better understand the history, culture and contributions of Canadians of African descent.
The creations created during these sessions are then integrated into the citizen collections, enabling the Afromusée to preserve and share this artistic and historical heritage. In this way, these sessions are not just a moment of creation, but a powerful means of strengthening community involvement, celebrating its diversity and enriching the collective understanding of its history.
Dre Dorothy Williams, change maker
The Afromusée’s very first exhibition, entitled Dr. Dorothy Williams, change maker, pays tribute to this remarkable intellectual and her decisive role in the recognition of Black history in Canada. Originally scheduled for February 2020, the exhibition has been moved to 2022 due to the pandemic. It highlights the work of Dr. Dorothy Williams, a pioneer in the documentation of African-Canadian history. Throughout her career, she has dedicated her efforts to researching, teaching and promoting Black history, notably through her ABC’s of Canadian Black History, an educational kit aimed at younger generations.
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The exhibition highlights her major contributions in the fields of education, research and activism, showing how she has played a crucial role in raising the voice of black communities. Press, academic and community circles have hailed this Afromusée initiative for promoting black history and its impact in inspiring social change.