Symbols of Spirit: African Masks

From the Arthur B. Steinman & Paul and Mary Rosen Collection

This exhibition showcases for the first time, original African masks from the 20th century. The masks are from two collections; the Arthur B. Steinman Collection and the Paul & Mary Rosen Collection.

The masks are housed at the Broward County Library's African American Research Library and Cultural Center. The masks are a representation of the diverse cultures, religions, and societies of Africa. The masks reveal the ceremonial and tribal significance of African art, interpreted through the beauty of human expression. Sponsored by the Broward County Cultural Division.

About the African American Research Library and Cultural Center 

The Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is located in the Sistrunk community, one of the oldest historically Black communities named for one of Fort Lauderdale’s first Black physicians. Opening to the public on October 26, 2002, AARLCC became the third public library of its kind in the United States dedicated to the study of Black history and culture. The 60,000 square-foot Center serves as a repository of materials related to the local, national, and international voices of the African diaspora with more than 85,000 books, manuscripts, artifacts, framed art, print, photography, audiovisual, and documents held in our Adult Services Section and Special Collections. The Youth Services Section features a special collection of Coretta Scott King Award books and the Ashley Bryan Art Collection from illustrators of African Descent. AARLCC also features a 5,000 sq. ft. museum, a 300-seat state-of-the-art theatre, and a Computer Training Center.

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