Africa Collection at Adamson Rotating Gallery

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A DIFFERENT LOOK: African Masks from the Gedang Collection

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An avid collector of cultural objects from countries he has travelled to, Anthony “Tonet” Gedang – businessman, film producer, arts and culture enthusiast and 1983 BS Commerce Major in Management alumnus – presents yet another exhibit at the Rotating Gallery of Adamson University in Manila, this time featuring African masks from his extensive personal collection.
 
The launching of the exhibit commenced with an invocation from Rev. Fr. Rock Joseph Enriquez C.M., followed by remarks from Adamson University President Rev. Fr. Gregorio Banag Jr. C.M. Fr. Banag expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of Anthony, especially in sharing his knowledge and experiences through art. An intermission number was rendered by Adamson University students followed by an inspiring message from Anthony.
 
After the ribbon cutting, university students from Africa, teachers, and non-teaching staff were the first to appreciate the African Masks collection.
 
Varied in design, material, function and meaning, the masks play an important role in ritual dances, in social and religious events and are vital to the tradition, culture and art of the indigenous peoples of Africa. Wood is the most commonly used material for masks, a wide variety of other elements are also used, including light stone such as steatite, metals such as copper or bronze, different types of fabric, pottery, and more. These are carved, molded or assembled into different shapes and designs imitating the human face, skull, animals or abstract and geometric patterns. In most traditional African cultures, the mask is a device that sort of transforms the wearer into the spirit of the dead or nature-related ones, with whom he is supposed to communicate. He becomes the medium and the spirit at the same time.
 
Anthony says that he will continue to support Adamson University's Rotating Gallery for the appreciation of its mentors and learners.
 

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