13
THURSDAY
In association with its current exhibit, “Olowe of Ise: A Yoruba Sculptor to Kings,” the National Museum of African Art is showing a series of videos about Yoruba culture. The program begins tonight with the 30-minute Yoruba Ritual, which documents such ceremonies as initiation, divination, and naming; it’s shown with the 13-minute African Artistry, which shows how traditional carver Ebo Shegbe makes a divination staff in accordance with Yoruba aesthetic principles. The series continues for three more Thursdays, with hourlong videos about Adire-style textiles, nine varieties of Yoruba ritual performance, and the evolution of Nigerian art. At the National Museum of African Art’s lecture hall, 950 Independence Ave. SW. Free. (202) 357-4600. (Mark Jenkins)