Africa (167–180 + Female Pwo Mask)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering Africa artworks from 167–180 and the Female Pwo Mask.

Great Zimbabwe (Shona, c. 1000–1400 C.E.)

Granite royal/trade center; large stone walls symbolize political power; controlled gold trade with the coast.

Great Mosque of Djenné

Sudano-Sahelian adobe mosque with toron beams; rebuilt 1906–07; annual replastering is a communal event; symbol of Islam in West Africa.

Wall plaque, Oba’s palace (Benin)

Brass plaque showing the Oba in hierarchical scale; palace decoration reinforces royal authority; reflects contact with Portuguese traders.

Golden Stool (Sika dwa kofi)

Ashanti spiritual symbol housing the collective soul; never sat upon; revered.

Ndop of King Mishe Kuba

Idealized wooden portrait of a Kuba king; kept in shrine; mnemonic for reign; represents power, history, and continuity.

Power figure (Nkisi nkondi)

Wooden figure activated by nails for oath-sealing and justice; provides spiritual protection and problem-solving; shows syncretism with Christianity.

Female (Pwo) mask

Chokwe mask used in female initiation rites; celebrates fertility and female ancestors; worn by male dancers during masquerades.

Portrait mask (Mblo)

Baule mask used in masquerades honoring community members; idealized beauty and moral character; blends entertainment with spirituality.

Bundu mask

Mende mask used by women in Sande initiation; symbolizes fertility, morality, womanhood; one of the few masks worn by women.

Ikenga (shrine figure)

Igbo wooden shrine figure symbolizing personal achievement; horns denote power, masculinity, strength; kept in shrines for spiritual aid.

Lukasa (memory board)

Luba memory board used as mnemonic device for oral histories; used by Mbudye elders; beads and carvings enable tactile reading.

Aka elephant mask

Bamileke mask performed in royal masquerades; elephant represents king’s strength; bright colors and beads denote wealth.

Reliquary figure (Byeri)

Fang wooden figure guarding ancestor relics in reliquary boxes; abstract and naturalistic features; protects remains and ensures continuity.

Veranda post of enthroned king and senior wife (Olowe of Ise)

Yoruba carved veranda post showing king and powerful wife; hierarchical scale emphasizes female influence in rulership; dynamic composition.