My grandmother taught me traditional Hausa embroidery patterns but when I use them in my textile art people call it appropriation even though it is literally my heritage.
More people experience this than they realize.
The commodification of African aesthetics has created impossible boundaries around cultural ownership, leaving artists estranged from their own traditions.
“Where Are You with African aesthetics — across the continent?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.