Africa c. 1765

This ceramic sculpture, titled "Africa," presents us with a complex tableau reflecting the historical context of its creation. During the 18th century, racial and cultural stereotypes were widespread, often portraying non-European cultures through a lens of European superiority. Here, the figure, rendered in dark pigment, has an elephant head as a hat. They stand with their foot on a white lion, and hold a cornucopia. These symbols speak to how Africa and its people were perceived through colonial eyes – exoticized, subjugated, and sources of material wealth. The identity of the artist remains unknown, yet the artwork offers insights into the cultural values of its time. It is difficult to look at the representation of race and identity in this sculpture, in the twenty-first century. It compels us to confront the uncomfortable aspects of our shared history, urging us to think critically about the ways in which cultures are represented and perceived.