Thousands of African artifacts were exhibited and auctioned last weekend in Seattle's Pioneer Square.
The exhibition included a breathtaking variety of artifacts from many diverse cultures, and benefited the Friends of the Orphans in Haiti and nine other countries.
It was the largest collection of African artifacts on the West Coast.
Organizers called it a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the cultures of many African countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Ethopia, Gabon, Guinea, Ginnea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo and Zaire.
Thousands of authentic African artifacts from the Akanyi Collection were displayed, from Sankofa birds to treasures of the Mende Tribe. A large number of the artifacts were very old.
Friends of the Orphans provides financial and volunteer support to "Our Little Brothers and Sisters," which has orphan homes and outreach programs in nine countries, including Haiti.