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January/February 2000 Exhibitions & Events
A Thousand Cranes
Fifty breathtaking photos of cranes capture the slow, graceful gestures
and poses of the creatures that, according to Buddhist belief, symbolize
luck and longevity. The photos by Wu Shao-Tung, a retired photo-journalist,
feature all fifteen species of cranes in the world, of which, seven species
are endangered.
Venoms: Striking Beauties
Featuring snakes, insects, spiders, frogs, and aquatic animals that
rely on venom as a means of survival, this new exhibit produced in-house
includes action-packed videos, natural history specimens, and interactive
challenges. The exhibit will reveal the mechanisms that venomous animals
use to inject their dangerous doses, how the venom affects the victim,
and how venomous creatures advertise their lethal natures.
The Elkus Collection: Changing Traditions
In Native American Art
This collection of Native American pottery, textiles, baskets, jewelry,
kachina dolls, and paintings was donated to our Anthropology department
in 1972 by the children of Ruth and Charles de Young Elkus. This extensive
collection includes works by some of the leading names in 20th
Century Native American art.
Africa: One Continent. Many Worlds.
This exhibit displays the vitality, richness, and diversity of wildlife
and cultures in Africa. Visitors will experience the grassy fields of
Zaire, a caravan trip across the Sahara, and the bustling streets of Dakar,
Senegal. Africa’s ecology, family life, art, and commerce are depicted
from both contemporary and historical perspectives. Africa: One Continent.
Many Worlds is made possible by Ford Motor Company and TIME Magazine.
Programs for Adults, Children, and Families
*Unless otherwise noted, all programs will be held at 1
p.m. and are free with museum admission.
February 5 West African Dance
Led by founder and director Leslie Carter and accompanied by live drumming,
the young dancers of African Queens will present a program of traditional
dance from West Africa.
This is a special program in honor of Black History Month.
February 6 Chinese Traditional Dances
Shanghai native Lily Cai will narrate and perform dances from the T’ang
and Qing Dynasties. This program is offered in conjunction with Young
Audiences of the Bay Area.
This is a special program in honor of Chinese New Year.
February 13 Red Panda Chinese Acrobats - 12
p.m.
Wayne and Nancy Huey, acrobatic artists trained in China, will offer a
demonstration of their remarkable talents. Wayne specializes in juggling
and barrel contortionism, while Nancy’s specialty, the "Unicycle
Bowl Flip" has earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
This is a special program in honor of Chinese New Year.
February 19 African American Step Show
Members of a Black sorority and a Black fraternity from U.C. Berkeley
will demonstrate the art of "stepping." Mastering and performing
this dance form, which often combines elements of military drills with
contemporary jazz and hip-hop moves, is a traditional part of the initiation
process in many of these organizations.
This is a special program in honor of Black History Month.
February 20 The African Roots of Jazz
Internationally acclaimed jazz drummer, performer and producer E.W.
Wainwright illustrates through a rhythmic and interactive presentation
the social evolution of jazz from its earliest beginnings to the present
day. This program is presented in conjunction with Young Audiences of
the Bay Area.
This is a special program in honor of Black History Month.
February 26 Balalaika Making and Balalaika Music
Master instrument-maker Francis Kosheleff will discuss the fabrication
of the balalaika, a key instrument in Russian traditional music. He and
members of the musical ensemble Balka will perform selections of Russian
folk music.
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