Those collection of primitive African masks from the 20th century, on loan from the de Pinho collection in Newport RI., and antique tribal art from the Robert Fiedler collection in Sante Fe, New Mexico, highlight the time-honored traditions of ritual, art making, mask making, and woodcarving. In the early 20th century, African artworks, acquired by Paris museums during the expansion of the French empire into Sub Saharan Africa, were abuzz among exotic tales exposing the mistreatment of Africans in the Belgian Congo, and brought to light in Conrad’s book, Heart of Darkness.  During this political climate, Picasso, was inspired by African artwork after Henry Matisse shared a mask made by the Dan people of Africa. This influence was illustrated in his artistic process from 1907- 1909 and referred to as “The Black Period”  During our current political climate, we highlight and honor this inspiration.