Snake Exhibition: The Presence of "Snakes" in Tanzanian Art March 15 (Saturday) – June 15 (Sunday), 2025 The vast African continent is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Among these, the snake, with its long, legless body, has long captivated human reverence. Shedding its old skin to emerge anew, the snake has been celebrated worldwide as a symbol of vitality and renewal. In Africa as well, snakes are revered as sacred beings deeply intertwined with people's daily lives and spiritual beliefs. The "Snake Exhibition" focuses on two prominent art forms of East Africa—Makonde sculpture and Tinga Tinga painting—to explore how snakes have been depicted and their cultural significance. Makonde sculptures, crafted from African blackwood, often feature snakes as the familiars of Shetani, mythical beings originating from Makonde folklore. These works symbolically convey the snake's mystical nature and life force. Meanwhile, in the vividly colorful Tinga Tinga paintings, snakes are sometimes portrayed alongside shamans (spiritual healers) who are seen manipulating their mystical power. These pieces reflect the magical associations of snakes and their historical significance in the lives of the people. Through Makonde sculptures and Tinga Tinga paintings, this exhibition offers an opportunity to explore the diverse meanings snakes hold and their profound connection to Tanzanian faith and art.
Artist Unknown
Artist Unknown
George Lilanga
M.W.Charinda
Meura
