The Meaning of
the Sculpture Program in
Our Mother of Africa Chapel
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Nguzo Saba - The
Pillars of African American Society
 The paired columns,
which flank the entrance to the chapel and support the carved spandrels,
and the columns within the chapel that support the vault symbolize the
seven family values of African American people, Nguzo Saba.
The words for the seven
principles that constitute the foundations of African American society
Nguzo Saba, were taken from the non-tribal Kiswahili language, so that
people of different African tribes could communicate with each other:
Umoja-Unity Kujichagulia—Self Determination, Ujima—Collective Work and
responsibility Ujamaa-Familyhood and Cooperative Economics, Nia—Purpose,
Kuumba—Creativity, Imani—Faith. Summarizing the African American value
system, they serve as guides to daily living.
The Unifying Role of
Form, Tone, and Texture
Through the sensitive
handling of form, tone, and texture, the architects, Leo Daly
Associates, have united the architectural and sculptural elements in the
chapel to create an appropriate ambience for the sacred conversation.
The warm tones of the Botticino marble, the wood vault above the nave,
and the crucifix are compatible and harmonious with the rich patina and
animated modeling of the bronze statue of Our Mother of Africa with the
Christ Child and the relief of the African American odyssey. The ambient
and directed lighting are the essential features that unify these
elements. Special lighting to achieve the architect's and sculptors
objectives was created by lighting designers Marvin Rivbough of Silver
Springs, Md and Thomas M. Booze of Capitol Heights, Md.
 The wood vault of the
nave is reminiscent of the vaults in America’s colonial meeting houses,
which were built by ship carpenters and, consequently, resembled the
hulls of early merchant ships, such as the Henrietta Marie. The
representation of the Henrietta Marie beneath the wood vault in the nave
floor also resonates with universal symbolism — the nave, a word which
derives from the Latin word for ship, navis, symbolized the Church.
The spectator is
invited to participate in the sacred conversation through an
introductory panel:
“Can a mother forget
her infant,
Be without tenderness for the child of her womb?”
— (Isaiah 49:15)
Our Mother of Africa Chapel
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