El Anatsui

In Ghana, El Anatsui’s home country, Akan children are given a “day name,”
which is based on the name of the day of the week on which he or she was
born. Akua is the name for females born on Wednesday. It is believed that
all peoples born on the same day of the week have the same kind of soul.
The Akan, one of the West African ethnic groups, also believe ancestors give
children to the living to continue their family and their society. Ancestors are
still involved in the life of the living, and the well being of the living depends
on them. In light of this, an interpretation of this piece might be that Akua—
depicted in this piece—is a revered ancestor, whose children continue to
depend on her for the good of their family and are the continuation of her
legacy today.
Looking and Interpreting
• Describe the grouping of forms, including the spacing and variety of
heights. Arrange your own version of this piece, using either objects or
people to fill the space.
• Anatsui encourages people to install his sculptures as they see fit. This
open process suggests the innumerable combinations of interactions
possible within a group of people, and demonstrates the fluidity of
human relationships. If you were to install this piece, how might you
arrange these sculptures?
Connecting and Doing
• Research the African slave trade. What places are connected to this
history? What are the experiences of the people involved and affected?
• Research stories from other cultures where ancestors influence or help
the living. What is the relationship between the living and those that
came before them?
• Reflect on the members of your family. Do you have family members
who are important to you? Why are they important? What have they
taught you or passed on to you that you find valuable? What would you
like to pass on to your children someday?
EXPLORING CULTURES, STORIES, AND MEMORY 23