Art, Design, Fashion, Lifestyle
In Conversation with Claire Idera
Claire Idera is a creative entrepreneur dedicated to the development of art and design in Africa....
Lifestyle, Travel / 05 Jul 2019
7 Tourist Attractions in Angola
Angola, the largest country in Africa, leaves tourists in awe with its abundant attractions and scenic beauty. This might seem surprising for a country better known for its long civil war (1975-2002) and the struggle to protect its wildlife from poachers. Angola is attempting to make a name for itself on the global stage and claims to be one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, with various forms of mining exports and a booming tourist industry. From national parks with lions, elephants, and gorillas to forgotten but beautiful buildings from the Portuguese colonisation, Angola boasts an expansive collection of locations with natural value and cultural and historical significance. If you are lucky enough to visit Angola any time soon, these insanely beautiful tourist attractions should top your list! The Tundavala Fissure The Tundavala Fissure offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area at an altitude of about 2,600m above sea level. It is one of the best natural wonders of Angola. Apart from steep cliff faces and unusual rocks, the Tundavala Fissure also has patches of forest landscapes and grasslands. The fissure is located at a height between Lubango and Namibe. The place is perfect for hiking, and many people go sightseeing in areas near it. Kalendula Waterfalls One of the most stunning waterfalls—not only in Angola but in the whole world—is Kalendula Waterfalls. This geological beauty of nature lies on the Lucala River in Malange, Angola. Kalendula is 105 metres high and is considered to be one of the highest waterfalls in Africa. In contrast to well-known African waterfalls, such as Victoria Falls, Kalendula is still a haven of tranquillity. One can often admire and enjoy this spectacle alone. Valley of the Moon The capital of Angola is the city of Luanda, and the Valley of the…
Architecture, Culture & Travel, Lifestyle, Travel / 31 May 2019
5 Places to Visit in Senegal
A country on the west coast of Africa, the Republic of Senegal is bordered by Mauritania to the north and Mali to the east. Named after the Senegal River, Senegal covers an area of about 197,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 15 million people. The country’s economy relies on tourism and agriculture. Being one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, Senegal is not surprisingly every traveller’s delight, with natural sites of great beauty, enchanting fauna and flora, breath-taking seaside resorts, a rich culture, and a warm welcome from its inhabitants. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Senegal features amazing wildlife, enchanting beaches, and spellbinding islands. If you are planning to visit, you need to know some of the most popular tourist attractions to explore. Let’s have a look at them. Dakar Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a lively and pleasant cosmopolitan city, and one of the chief seaports on the West African coast. It is located midway between the mouths of the Gambia and Sénégal Rivers. In 1857, Dakar was built by French colonists on the site of a small fishing village. Then in 1902, it became the capital of the Afrique Occidentale Française (A.O.F.), in place of Saint-Louis. The city earns its name from the word “Dakhar,” a Wolof name for the tamarind tree and the name of a coastal Lebu village that was located south of what is now the first pier. Each district has its colours, charm, and animation. Dakar also houses some of the best markets and bazaars within West Africa. Another tourist attraction in Dakar are the stunning coastal beaches, as well as the Dakar IFAN Museum, where one can view an outstanding collection of West African masks, statues, and musical instruments. Arts and culture enthusiasts may also visit the Museum…
Art, Culture & Travel, News, Travel / 20 May 2019
British Museum Considers Loan of ‘Invisible’ Objects Back to Ethiopia
The British Museum is to consider returning a group of “invisible” objects to Ethiopia. These are tabots (Christian plaques), which symbolically represent the Ark of the Covenant—the wooden chest that is said to have held the Ten Commandments. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church believes that tabots should never be viewed by anyone other than its priests. There are 11 tabots in the British Museum. Although the storage arrangements are confidential, they are believed to be kept in a sealed storeroom in the basement of the Bloomsbury complex. Even Lissant Bolton, the museum’s keeper of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, has never set foot in the room, let alone seen the tabots. The tabots are individually wrapped in cloth and placed on a shelf covered with purple velvet. Nine of the museum’s 11 tabots are made from wood, the other two from stone, and they probably all feature a carved cross. The tabots were made to sanctify the individual churches where they were originally kept and usually include the name of the saint after which their church is named. These particular tabots were seized by British troops at the battle of Maqdala in 1868 when Emperor Tewodros committed suicide. Seven were donated to the museum soon afterwards by the secretary of state for India, and another came from the museum’s representative on the punitive expedition, Richard Holmes. One was purchased in 1968, another donated in 1990 and the final one has an unknown provenance. In March this year an Ethiopian delegation, headed by the culture minister Hirut Kassaw, visited the British Museum and met with its director, Hartwig Fischer. During an amicable discussion, the Ethiopians informally requested the return of the 11 tabots, along with other material seized at Maqdala. A museum spokeswoman confirmed “Our officials recently met an Ethiopian delegation. The director…
Fashion, Lifestyle, Luxury
Fashioning Africa: Commemorating the Pioneers of the Continent’s Fashion Industry
The African fashion industry has grown significantly over the last years. After decades of colonial rule,...
Culture & Travel, Fashion, Film and TV, Lifestyle
On African Culture and Misappropriation
What exactly is cultural appropriation? Wikipedia describes it as a situation in which members of a...
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