UCLA World Arts and Cultures/Dance professor and exhibition co-curator Allen F. Roberts explores the technically masterful symbols of authority featured in Striking Iron. Forged knives, sickles, machetes, and axes have long assured clever and efficient management of household and agricultural chores, while spears, arrows, daggers, swords, and scepters have promoted kings’ ambitions and warriors’ fortunes. Of central significance are the concepts of the blade as an extension of the hand and as a contribution to African senses of virtue and valor.

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#CultureFix is a short-format series of gallery talks featuring artists, curators, and other luminaries. No reservation required. All talks are free of charge.

Parking available in UCLA Lot 4, 398 Westwood Plaza, directly off Sunset Blvd | $12/day
Rideshare drop-off 305 Royce Drive.

About the Exhibition
Striking Iron is a major international traveling exhibition that reveals the history of invention and technical sophistication that led African blacksmiths to transform one of Earth’s most basic natural resources into objects of life-changing utility, empowerment, and astonishing artistry.