Childhood and Adolescence
Like many Africans, the Ewe people of coastal Ghana are very fond of children. They say that an adult who does not yet have a son or daughter of their own, has yet to experience true happiness. Throughout Africa, children are a welcome addition to any home, and their arrival into a family is a time for rejoicing for several reasons.

However, not until a newborn is at least a few months old does the family celebrate their arrival. This often takes place throughout Africa during the name giving ceremony. While Americans send out birth announcements soon after an infant is born (and some hospitals even post a picture and announcement on the world wide web!), most Africans don't celebrate or name a new baby until much later. Why do you think they wait?

Click on the objects below to explore artworks that represent children or are used by children.

ODYSSEY HOME NEAR EAST Egypt GREECE ROME

© Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University,
Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester and Dallas Museum of Art
For more information please contact odyssey@emory.edu.
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