Art of Central Africa
The richly diverse arts of Central Africa are well represented in the High Museum’s collection thanks to Fred and Rita Richman, who began donating African art to the High in 1971 and were particularly drawn to art of this region. Examples of art of Kongo and Kongo-influenced civilizations are particularly significant because many African Americans are descended from peoples of this equatorial region—an area from which so many were enslaved. The High Museum’s holdings include exceptionally fine and rare works, including a Yombe scepter, Vili fly whisk, Mbeengi textile, and Tutsi screen.