Jun 13th, 2012
Jackson State Community Colleges Tony Kail has created a display entitled Sacred Arts of the Caribbean. Kail works as a Learning Resource Center Assistant at the Humboldt Higher Education Center.
The display encompasses two large glass cases in the library at the Humboldt Higher Education Center. The library is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. The event is free and open to the public. The entire community is cordially invited to come and view this display.
When asked how he came to own such treasures, Kail said, I have been researching and writing about religious cultures for over twenty years. These are collected from research among many of the Afro-Cuban religious communities throughout the U.S. in Miami and New Jersey. Some were donated to me from Cuba.
Kails background is in African religious studies and he finds the Afro-Caribbean religious cultures fascinating. There are a number of religious traditions being practiced throughout North America that originated in Africa. Santeria or Regla de Ocha originated among the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria. It was brought to Cuba when many Africans were taken as slaves. Once in the new world, the religion evolved with practices from the Spanish colonialists. Today it practiced in thousands of households throughout the U.S., explained Kail.
When asked about his favorite piece, Kail responded, There is a beaded axe that belongs to the African deity Chango. Chango was a king that lived in the Oyo province of Nigeria. Chango represents thunder, fire and justice. The wooden axe represents Changos justice and is found in shrines dedicated to the king. The axe is colored in numerous red and white beads representing Changos favorite colors. I truly like this piece as it reflects the African heritage behind the religion.
For more information, contact Tony Kail at 731-424-3520, extension 782.