Granada – the word in Spanish means pomegranate – a fruit brought to Spain by Moslem tribes from North Africa in the 8th century. They were known as the Moors and they came to Europe from what is now known as Morocco. For nearly 800 years the Moors ruled in Granada and for nearly as long in a wider territory of that became known as … Continue reading The Moors who ruled Europe for 700 years

A place of universal historic and cultural interest, the ruins of the School of Aristotle are located just two miles from the contemporary town of Naoussa, in the Greek region of Macedonia. Located in the region of Esvoria, along the foothills of Mount Vermio, the School of Aristotle is nestled in a serene setting blanketed by trees. Streams, ponds and racing waters can be found … Continue reading The School of Aristotle: One of the First ‘Universities’ in the World

BY WILLIAM DEWEYPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (FORMERLY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) Nigeria; Yoruba (Ife) artist Obalufon mask Copper H. 29.5 cm (11 5/8″) National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria, 17 Photo by Dirk Bakker This copper mask is also said to have always been kept in the king’s palace. According to tradition it represents the Oni Obalufon, who is credited with bringing metal casting skills to Ife. Unlike most heads that … Continue reading IFE Arts part five

BY WILLIAM DEWEYPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (FORMERLY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) Nigeria; Yoruba (Ife) artist Head Clay H. 16 cm (6 1/4″) National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria, 79.R.6 (Ife 305) Photo by Dirk Bakker In 1910 the German anthropologist Leo Frobenius visited the Nigerian city of Ife and brought several ancient terracotta heads back to Germany.  He claimed a Greek colony in Africa produced the incredibly naturalistic sculpture he discovered … Continue reading IFE Arts 2

BY WILLIAM DEWEYPENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY (FORMERLY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA) Nigeria; Yoruba (Ife) artist Oni figure Brass H. 47.1 cm (18 9/16″) National Museum, Lagos, Nigeria, 79.R.12 Photo by Dirk Bakker The Yoruba people of Nigeria believe the world began at the city of Ife. One version of their myth relates how Olodumare, the creator, sent his son, Oduduwa, to form the earth. At that time there was … Continue reading IFE