Spring 2025 Letter

As we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, this season invites us to reconnect with nature. April brings Earth Month and Earth Day (April 22nd), a time for reflection on our impact and how we can nurture the planet. At Misgana African Art, we believe that art and nature are deeply intertwined, and there is no better time to bring nature-inspired pieces into your home.

Across Africa, traditional art often reflects a deep connection to the land, with symbols and materials that embody the earth's life-giving force. From the carved wooden figures of West Africa to the vibrant textiles of East Africa, African art has long been a way to honor and celebrate the natural world. Incorporating such pieces into your home not only adds beauty but also reminds us of the importance of respecting and protecting our environment.

This spring, we encourage you to explore how pieces from our collection can bring the energy of nature into your space. Whether through earth-toned textiles, woven baskets, or wooden objects, these items serve as powerful reminders of the land’s role in our lives. Each piece tells a story of community, tradition, and respect for the natural world.

Stay tuned for upcoming exhibitions, events, and more in the months ahead. Check out a few of my favorite pieces and upcoming art events below. Wishing you a spring full of renewal and reflection!

Warmly, Seble Asfaw Founder, Misgana African Art

Collection Spotlight!

This Nyamwezi basket from Tanzania, crafted with woven natural fibers and supported by a sturdy wooden frame, showcases the intricate weaving techniques and resourcefulness of the Nyamwezi people, known for their rich traditions in trade and craftsmanship.

This Welega chair from Ethiopia, carved from a single block of wood with triangular cutouts and arched legs, is a striking example of Welega-Oromo design, symbolizing authority, and offers a rare opportunity to acquire a well-preserved piece with significant historical value.

This Tutsi jug, carved by the Hima society in Uganda and traditionally used for storing milk or liquids, features a tall, flared body with horizontal grooves and a patterned lid, reflecting the Tutsi's pastoralist traditions and pottery expertise while offering both beauty and practicality for display.

African Art Events

Reopening of The Met's Arts of Africa Galleries: On May 31, 2025, in New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will unveil its newly renovated galleries dedicated to the Arts of Africa, featuring approximately 500 works from sub-Saharan Africa.

"Paris Noir" Exhibition at the Pompidou Center: Running from March 19 to June 30, 2025, in Paris, France, this exhibition celebrates 50 years of Black art in Paris, featuring works from 150 Black artists, including Gerard Sekoto and Beauford Delaney.

Tsedaye Makonnen :: መቅደስ :: Mekdes: Running from December 13, 2024, onward in Washington, D.C., this exhibition by Ethiopian American artist Tsedaye Makonnen features seven light tower sculptures, each representing an individual lost to violence, creating a space for healing and reflection on themes of dehumanization, motherhood, and solidarity.