The Burdé-Monroe collection of African art was developed by Virginians Dr. Roger de la Burdé and Beverly Monroe. Dr. de la Burdé is a native of Poland and and began collecting African art with his father. He has made donations of both African and contemporary art to various colleges and universities. Beverly Monroe is a graduate of Limestone College and began working with Dr. de la Burdé in the late 1970's. In this collection are included works from several tribal cultures belonging to both the Sudanese and Guinea cultures. The Sudanese group is represented by the Dogon. The Guinea cultures are represented by Ashanti, Igalla, Ibo, Bini, Yoruba, Ishan, Ijo or Ijaw, Baule, and Idoma. The Ibibio tribal group is from the Cross River area and represents a blending of influences of the Guinea and Bantu culture of southern Africa.