Danjuma African Art Center is named for its benefactor, General Theophilus Y. Danjuma, a Nigerian Jukun soldier, politician, businessman and retired Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defense under Olusegun Obasanjo.
This center includes material culture− sculptures, masks, vases, totems, pottery, and jewelry− evidence the spiritual and cultural practices of countries such as Nigeria, Congo (DRC), Ghana, Cameroon, Liberia, Ethiopia and Angola. The collection affirms the rich heritage that connects the Lincoln University community to its history of engagement with students of African descent.
The Danjuma African Art Center represents a new stage in the development and accessibility of Lincoln University’s African collection and programming, which will bring increased cultural awareness and enrichment to our academic programs and student life on campus.
The galleries at the Danjuma African Art Center highlight the gifts of Robert Freeman, Jr. ’41, Franklin H. Williams ’41, Rev. Irvin W. Underhill, Jr. D.D., F.R.G.S. in memory of his wife, the late Susan Reynolds Underhill, Mrs. Corine Thompson in memory of her late husband, Eugene Thompson and Dave and Karina Rilling, among others.
Additional galleries and space will be dedicated to rotating installations of the contemporary art collection, including those donated by alumni and prints from the Brandywine Workshop. A classroom and student art display space is also planned.
