wooden figure with orange and yellow beaded coat

Faletti Family Collection of West African Cultural Artifacts

Richard and Barbara Faletti, well-known collectors of African art, donated over 150 cultural artifacts to the Spurlock Museum from 1983 through the 2000s. Coming from such diverse locations as Mexico, China, and Panama, the majority of the collection come from cultures across West Africa.

The Falettis often collected sculptural forms and masks documenting ritual life from various West African cultural groups. Many Faletti pieces are on display in our African gallery.

Notable Objects