Kwanzaa, celebrated annually from December 26 to January 1, is an international holiday that honors African heritage in the diaspora and African American culture. A harvest festival, Kwanzaa is organized around the Nguzo Saba, seven guiding principles that are celebrated individually each day of the holiday.
The principles included are:
Umoja (unity)
Kujichagulia (self-determination)
Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
Nia (purpose)
Kuumba (creativity)
Imani (faith)
b. 1942, Ethiopia
Stay Together
1990
Acrylic on paper
H x W: 75 x 105 cm (29 1/2 x 41 5/16 in.)
National Museum of African Art, bequest of Charlton E. Williams, 2002-14-10
Each of the seven candles on the kinara signifies a principle.
For more information about Kwanzaa, visit www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org.
Activity
Explore our collection and discover works of African art that identify with each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
