Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art concluded with a day of music and dance inspired by the cultural heritage of the Republic of Congo and Gabon. The Kuumba Youth Performance Ensemble is comprised of members from ages 8–16 who travel the region as ambassadors of African American cultural heritage. In addition to performances by the Ensemble, workshops took place throughout the day for visitors of all ages and levels of experience. The movement workshop introduced aspects of the Welcome Dance from West and Central African countries, and percussionists led a drumming workshop of universal rhythms that both encompass and transcend the traditional sounds of the continent of Africa. A workshop on Adinkra symbols explored the unique Western and Central African designs that derive from proverbs, historical events, human attitudes, animal behaviors, plant life, and the forms and shapes of objects.
