We Face Forward: Anansi Stories
2 June-16 September 2012
A popular character in West African and Caribbean folklore, Anansi the Spider is a trickster who started life as a man, but due to his mischievous ways was turned into a spider by his father, the Great Sky God. Because of his small size, Anansi uses his intelligence to survive and stories of his adventures have a lot to teach us all.
Using the Museum’s natural history and ethnographic collections, The Manchester Museum has worked with the African Caribbean Carers Group and artist Alan Birch to develop a re-interpretation of the Anansi Spider stories. The group’s resulting artworks, printed stories and Museum objects are displayed in the Museum’s reception area. There is also an associated programme of family and adult events, featuring storytelling, live music and other performances.
Part of We Face Forward
On Saturday 15 September, 1-6pm, Piccadilly Gardens will host a West African festival featuring a main music stage with host DJ Mayeva and headline act Jali Nyonkoling Kuyateh, drumming, dance, Djembe and Dun Dun workshops as well as West African inspired art and craft activities and food. Free, drop-in, Piccadilly Gardens.
Family events:
Saturday 2 June, 11am-4pm - Big Saturday: Manchester Anansi Spider
Monday 4-Friday 8 June, 11am-4pm - June half term: Living Worlds & Manchester Anansi Spider
Friday 29 June, 10.30-11.30am & 11.30am-12.30pm - Magic Carpet: Spiders
Sunday 1 July, 11am-4pm - Anansi the Spider
Wednesday 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 August, 1-3pm - Summer holidays: Manchester Anansi Spider
Friday 31 August, 10.30-11.30am & 11.30am-12.30pm - Magic Carpet: West Africa
Adult events:
Thursday 21 June, 6-8pm - a talk on the archaeology of ritual, shrines and sacrifice in Northern Ghana
Wednesday 27 June, 5.30-7.30pm - Manchester Art Walk
Tuesday 11 September, 6-8pm - Pan African Congress panel debate
Friday 14 September, 6.30-9pm - After Hours: A Taste of West Africa
