Collect African American Figurines

African American figurines are a great choice for the novice collector. If you've been thinking about entering the world of art collecting but don't know where to start; then start simple. Collectables such as African American figurines are readily available and easy to manage. Other forms of art collecting tend to be more complicated. For example, with paintings and fine art collections one must have some knowledge of the various styles and techniques used in order to make an informed choice. As a collector you are not merely picking something pretty to look at. You want to choose pieces that are not only beautiful but those that will appreciate in value as well.

So you have no idea what impressionism is and you can't tell the different between a baroque painting and a surreal one. Don't worry, there's no art degree needed when dealing with collectables. What exactly are collectables? Simply put a collectable is anything that people have decided to collect. Some items have been designed for the purpose of becoming collectables such as specialty toys but don't picture yourself with cluttered shelves full of old toys. Owning the right collectables can give you the prestige of having an art collection without any of the hassle. The artistry involved in creating African American figurines makes them the perfect choice.

To begin you need to choose what type of African American figurines you are going to collect. Figurines can be molded or hand sculpted pieces and they come in many styles. Whichever style you choose be sure to look at the quality of the workmanship before you make any purchases. You should also pick pieces that you can live with. If you choose pieces that you like you won't be too disappointed if their value doesn't skyrocket. One way to increase your chances of ending up with valuable African American figurines is by buying one-of-a-kind creations or limited edition pieces. The only down side to that is the cost but if you're willing to spend the extra cash consider it a good investment.

In today's collector market African American angel figurines are becoming increasingly popular. The angels come in a variety of sizes and poses. Many people covet these graceful figurines for their sentimental value. Another great option lies in collecting historical African American figurines. These are often antiques but they can be new creations that depict historical scenes. Whether they are artistic representations of crucial moments in black history or of the daily lives of early African Americans they are a link to the past. By owning one of these figurines you will learn more about African American culture and perhaps about your own heritage.

Great Vacation Places In Africa

An Africa vacation is one every one should undertake during their lifetime. When you think of Africa, I am sure it's with a sense of trepidation and adventure and maybe your heart starts to beat a little faster.

There are many countries in Africa that I'd like to visit but my favorite would be Kenya. An Africa vacation with so many opportunities to see wildlife would be terrific. The heart of Africa is in the Bush. I would love to go on safari on an Africa vacation and there are several companies specializing in Kenyan safaris of different types.

The one we're most familiar with is the vehicle game safari, where you are taken by Land Rover thru the game areas. If you prefer something more sedate, there are walking safaris. Air safaris are another choice, which offer spectacular aerial views of the scenery and the movement of game.

The main reason to visit Africa for me would be to get as close to the animals as possible. I'd make sure I was fully capable of shooting some good video footage of my Africa vacation too, to back up the stories I'd tell when I got home!

There are companies which offer accommodation in lodges and tents right in the midst of the Bush. They're much more comfortable than they sound and I'd prefer that to some impersonal hotel chain or gated apartment complex.

The lodges and tent camps are staffed with cooks, so you have excellent food and you get to meet the African people. A lot of them are on the riverside, and you'd probably get to see hippos and crocodiles. There are game drives organized from the sites but you don't have to leave the site to see animals.

Many of them are unfenced, so animals just wander in and out. There's the chance to see leopards, chimpanzees, elephants and lions. Some of the nearby waterholes are lit up at night, and you can see animals even then.

The food is more likely to be local dishes than the food in hotels which caters for the European tourist. I'd like to try the national dish of Kenya. An Africa vacation wouldn't be complete without Barbecued Goat and vegetables.

Sometimes it's made with antelope or zebra. There's a strange local drink which the Maasai tribe likes, to wash it down but I don't think I'd be brave enough to sample it. It's called Mursik and it's made from fermented milk, ash and cow's urine!

Some of the lodges are based on African traditional tribal huts or are houses built on stilts. Facilities may include en suite bathroom and a mini bar. There are organized activities such as nature talks and hot air balloon trips with champagne breakfast. You can go horse riding or bird watching.

Another fantastic Africa vacation opportunity would be a camel ride. There are some golf courses and scuba diving schools. My favorite location for an Africa vacation would be in the lodge complex which sits in the forest on the slopes of Mount Kenya.

As you can see although I am going to go to Africa, I am sticking to more of a tourist Africa vacation. Of course you could choose a more adventurous explorer version if your heart and mind could handle it, either way I know it's gonna be great!

Djembe, An Incredible African Musical Instrument

I am particularly fond of an African musical instrument called the Djembe. Its amazing the number of different musical instruments which exist all over the world yet so many of us think only of the guitar or the drums.

One of the neatest ways to really express your love of world culture is to learn to play an African musical instrument. There are thousands upon thousands of African musical instruments, and each one has a unique and beautiful tone. My favorite African musical instrument is called the dono drum.

The dono drum is one of the most expressive African drums. It is also known as the talking drum, and essentially consists of two heads at either end of an hourglass shaped body. The heads are connected by strips of hide. The whole African musical instrument is held under one arm, and the strings are tightened and loosened by squeezing it with the arm.

This changes the tone, allowing this African musical instrument to “talk.” But of course, there are thousands of other African musical instruments to chose from, and each of them definitely has its strengths.

A really great African musical instrument is the Djembe. It is a bowl shaped drum, with a cone projecting out from the underside. I have loved playing this African musical instrument in drum circles since I was very small. It has this powerful, high, ringing tone that is perfect for playing with other people.

Not only does it have that great high end, but it has a booming bass that is just amazing, and that is no joke. It is probably the most popular African musical instrument in America, and perhaps the best known one around the world, and there is a reason for that. It just has an incredibly powerful tone, that is almost guaranteed to cut through other sounds to create a really driving percussion.

black-arrow-01_R Of course, not every African musical instrument is created equal.

When you are buying one, you have to make sure that it is of the highest quality, or you are sure to run into a bit of disappointment down the road. For example, some drums have their heads attached in flimsy ways that make sure that they will fall apart sooner, rather than later.

Other times, the head of the African musical instrument is itself of low quality, so that it will rip when it is played aggressively. If you do not like the tone, this can be another problem. There is no bigger disappointment than playing on an instrument with a lousy tone. It can really make any jam not as fun, and any player sound lousy, even if he really has a good bit of talent.

I suggest you do your research online where you will discover a number of highly reputable shops where you can buy a high quality African musical instrument and have it shipped directly to your door.

African American hair

Whether you are a man or woman we all love hair especially the one on top. It is no wonder therefore the suffering we all go through when these strands start to drop.

Have you ever really noticed the diversity in hair amongst the peoples of this world. Herein is where the lies the beauty of hair from the soft hair of the white man or woman to the curly, coarser hair of the African.

Consider African American hair for instance. Although I never really though of it as different from my own as a child, I soon learned other wise. As my best friend from high school put it, "White folks have different hair than we do.

We have to work to make ours soft." This was peculiar to me at the time, but of course isn't any more. I've actually come to notice differences in many races and their hair types and styles over the years.

Very common with African American hair is the weave. This is a way to alter and add to the dew you already have. Maybe you want a different color weaved in or a longer style. It can all be done.

One style I've always loved regarding African American hair is corn rows. It just doesn't work the same when other races do it. Now, for those of you who don't have a clue, African American hair is drier and coarser in general. Not to mention curlier.

Hence the reason why black men may suffer a little more with razor bumps. No, it has nothing to do with your poor shaving habits.

It's actually related more to the curly coarseness of your beard. Since the whiskers are so curly, they tend to turn back up under the skin easier, hence causing razor bumps. You may want to try an electric or clippers instead of a blade.

In conclusion we should all appreciate and embrace the hair we're given. Ignore what everyonelse says and love what you got, I say!.

This is what my mother always told me. Irregardless of whether you have Chinese, Asian, Caucasian or African American hair doesn't matter. With the salon technology available now days, you can alter your hair style and color to any way, shape or form you please.

If you do have African American hair, it is wise to visit a stylist who's familiar with African American hair and hairstyles to ensure you get the results you are looking for.