African Art & Culture – Flashcards

Art 271

Why is African art often stylized or abstracted?

Emphasizes spiritual meaning, power, status, and symbolism over realism

What is the Timkat festival?

Ethiopian Orthodox Christian festival celebrating Epiphany and Jesus' baptism with processions and ceremonies

What is special about the churches of Lalibela?

Carved directly from solid rock and still used for worship

Why are there so many Christian churches in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia was one of the earliest Christian nations; faith central to identity

What is a hagiography?

Stories or images about saints used to teach faith and inspire believers

Why was the little golden rhino politically important?

Symbolized royal power, kingship, and leadership; part of political disputes

Name two important things about the Mosque at Chinguetti.

One of the oldest mosques in West Africa; made of mud brick and stone; major Islamic learning center

What was a libation pot used for?

Pouring liquid offerings to ancestors or spirits

How did the designs on libation pots reflect their purpose?

Decorations showed ancestors, spirits, or life symbols, highlighting spiritual communicati