African and Islamic Architecture: Zimbabwe, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, Congo

What culture is associated with the Great Zimbabwe?

Shona peoples

What does the name 'Zimbabwe' mean?

'House of stone'

What materials were used to construct the Great Zimbabwe?

Coursed granite blocks

What is the function of the Great Zimbabwe?

It served as a royal residence and a city-state.

What architectural feature of the Great Zimbabwe is shaped like a granary?

The conical tower

What was the primary purpose of the circular wall at the Great Zimbabwe?

To display power and status, rather than for defense.

How were the granite blocks of the Great Zimbabwe constructed?

They were cut to the same size and stacked without mortar.

What significant economic activity was central to the Shona peoples?

Management of cattle

What evidence suggests Great Zimbabwe's participation in long-distance trade?

Archaeological finds of glass beads, porcelain, gold, and Arab coins.

What misconception did English colonizers have about the builders of Great Zimbabwe?

They believed Muslims must have constructed it due to its grandeur.

What is the cultural significance of the Great Mosque of Djenné?

It represents Malian culture and African/Islamic architectural style.

What building material is primarily used in the Great Mosque of Djenné?

Adobe

Where is the Great Mosque of Djenné located?

Djenné, Mali

What themes are associated with the Great Zimbabwe?

Palace, politics, power, status, rulers, architecture.

What are the main components of the Great Zimbabwe site?

Hill Ruin, Great Enclosure, Valley Ruins.

What was the role of the royal complex in Great Zimbabwe?

It served as the residence for the king and a center for rituals.

What does the construction of the Great Zimbabwe indicate about its rulers?

It demonstrates their power and status through size and complexity.

What agricultural practices were brought by the Bantu migrations?

Farming and livestock management.

What is a notable architectural feature of the Great Zimbabwe's construction?

The absence of straight lines and right angles, with entirely curved structures.

What was the impact of the Shona peoples' influence by 1500?

Their influence waned, though reasons are unclear.

What is the largest mud-brick mosque in the world?

The Great Mosque of Djenné

What materials are primarily used in the construction of the Great Mosque of Djenné?

Local materials such as mud/straw bricks (adobe) and palm wood

What is adobe?

A common material in West Africa made from mud and straw

How does the adobe construction of the Great Mosque help with temperature regulation?

The walls cool down at night and warm up slowly during the day, retaining coolness.

What supports the earthen roof of the Great Mosque?

Pillars

What are torons in the context of adobe buildings?

Wooden beams projecting from the walls

What is the floor plan style of the Great Mosque of Djenné?

Hypostyle hall plan with a large exterior courtyard

What is the significance of the qibla wall in the Great Mosque?

It overlooks the city marketplace

What annual event is held for the maintenance of the Great Mosque?

The Plastering of the Great Mosque

What happens if the Great Mosque is not re-plastered annually?

The structure will slowly melt during the rainy seasons.

What is the purpose of the Great Mosque of Djenné?

It serves as a place of Muslim worship, prayer, contemplation, and community gathering.

What does the Great Mosque symbolize in relation to Islam in Africa?

It showcases pride in and adoption of Islam, reflecting the power of the religion.

What cultural significance do the ostrich eggs on the minarets of the Great Mosque have?

They symbolize fertility and purity in Mali.

When was the original mosque in Djenné constructed?

Between 800 - 1250 CE

Who constructed the original mosque in Djenné?

King Koi Konboro

What happened to the original mosque in the early 19th century?

It fell into disrepair and was demolished.

What is the cultural significance of the wall plaque from Oba's Palace?

It serves as political propaganda to display the power and prestige of the ruler.

What is the material used for the wall plaque from Oba's Palace?

Cast brass

What technique was used to create the wall plaque from Oba's Palace?

Lost-wax casting technique

What does the hierarchical scale in the wall plaque indicate?

The size of figures delineates their importance.

What does the large stylized head in the wall plaque represent?

The seat of intelligence, reflecting a common African cultural belief.

What does the oba in the wall plaque represent?

A warrior chief depicted with distinctive coral-beaded regalia.

What do the attendants in the wall plaque do for the oba?

They hold a shield above his head to protect him.

What historical significance does the Benin Empire hold?

It was known for its brass works and trade with the Portuguese.

What is the significance of the Golden Stool in Ashanti culture?

It is believed to be the soul of the Ashanti people and symbolizes the entire community.

What materials are used in the Golden Stool?

Gold over wood with cast-gold attachments.

Who received the Golden Stool from the gods?

King Osei Tutu.

What event is associated with the British desire for the Golden Stool?

The War of the Golden Stool in 1900.

What was the outcome of the War of the Golden Stool?

The Ashanti became a colony but retained a ceremonial king and the stool was hidden.

What does the term 'Ndop' refer to in Kuba culture?

A stylized and idealized portrait figure of a king.

What is the purpose of Ndop figures?

To represent and honor the spirit of a now-deceased ruler and commemorate their reign.

How is the body of Ndop figures typically styled?

With rounded contours and a 1:3 proportion, where the head is one-third of the body.

What does the short sword in the Ndop figure's left hand signify?

Nonaggression while still representing strength.

What does the drum with a severed hand symbolize in the Ndop of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul?

It represents the expansion of his empire through conquest.

What themes are reflected in the art of the Ashanti and Kuba peoples?

Politics, power, commemoration, ideal man, and stylized bodies.

What cultural significance does gold hold in the Ashanti kingdom?

Gold symbolizes royalty and prestige and is reserved for royal use.

What was the political situation in Ghana during the early 1700s?

The area was politically divided and in the midst of many wars.

What is the relationship between the Ashanti kingdom and the gold trade?

The Ashanti kingdom headed up the gold trade with Europeans in North Africa.

What does the term 'gilded' refer to in the context of the Golden Stool?

The gold covering applied to the wood stool.

What is the significance of the Ndop figure's calm face with closed eyes?

It signifies that the ruler is above mortal affairs.

What is the cultural legacy of the Kuba people in terms of art?

They are renowned for a dynamic wooden artistic legacy, with Ndops being the most revered art form.

How did King Osei Tutu's actions shape the Ashanti nation?

He replaced existing chieftains and eliminated other political objects, establishing the Golden Stool as the sole authority.

What role does the Queen Mother play in the context of the War of the Golden Stool?

She encouraged the people to fight against the British for the stool's preservation.