The Berea High School library now has a permanent display of African art that is rich in culture and history.
The collection arrived just in time for Black History month. The pieces were acquired by Roy and Betty Jean Miller, residents of Berea for 40 years, who lived in Nigeria for two years. Roy, 86, now resides in Middleburg Heights while Betty Jean passed away last year.
The pair accumulated more than 80 pieces of African art during their stay in Nigeria through 1970 and 1971.
“I had no intention to ever sell them,” said Roy. “We had them in our house here on Fourth Avenue. I wanted to find a second home for them.”
He went on to say, “My second son Nelson graduated from Berea High in 1968. The school is about diversity and teaching that element. I am so very pleased the school accepted these. They are not of precious or antique value. But instead of seeing pictures, they can see the real thing.”
The pieces include some 20 miniature carved figures that were created from large thorns that grow on some forest trees, birds that were shaped from cow horns, musical instruments made from dried gourds and melons, a brass bell made in Bida–the brass capital of Nigeria–hassock covers interwoven with snake skin and several carvings using mahogany wood depicting native tribesmen and women.
Principal Vincenzo Ruggiero said the school is “grateful” for Miller’s donation.
“It not only adds tremendously to our school’s global perspective, but also helps to recognize the diversity of cultures and races that make up our community,” he said.
