African art

How Great Zimbabwe served elite rulers

as a thriving fourtheenth-century Shona site that was part of an extensive trade network.

How scholars believe that the conical tower of Great Zimbabwe functioned symbolically

By referencing the form of a granary which recalled the generosity of the Shona ruler to his people

How Great Zimbabwe is most similar to Machu picchu

its undulating stone masonry that was constructed without mortar

What ensured viewers would recognize the Ndop (portrait figure) as King Mishe miShyaang maMbul

the subject of the work chose to be represented with a carved drum positioned in front of the seated figure

Why the relatively naturalistic ndop’s anatomical proportions were altered

to emphasize the king’s large head which was considered the seat of intelligence and wisdom

What art historians believe that the ndop figures such as the portrait of King Mishe miShyaang MaMbul incorporated figural representation served as

a historical marker for the Kuba community, since most of their cultural traditions were transmitted orally.

How the architects of the Great Mosque of Djenne achieved a rhythmic effect in the facade of the building

the inclusion of a series of towers and engaged columns

What the sculptor of the Benin wall plaque from the Oba’s palace was inspired by and why

the hierarchic scale for viewer’s respect and admiration of the oba

How the Yoruba sculptor of Isle created pieces

With elongated forms, dynamic use of negative space, and architectural function

What the use of horn in the Ikenga shrine figure alludes to

the aggressive strength of the head.

Why the Lukasa can be attributed to the Luba culture

Its use as a mnemonic device in retelling oral legends

How bundu masks reflect the cultural values of the society that originally created them

with depictions of fat rolls around their necks, downcast eyes, and small mouths to illustrate ideal beauty and morality

Why the nganga drives a nail or pointed object into a Nkisi n’kondi figure

In order to activate the spiritual power inside the figure.

How the veranda post of enthroned King and senior wife (Opo Ogoga) is similar to the Mayan Yaxchilan Lintel

both works represent the importance of royal wives

The Chokwe peoples are best attributed for this mask

Pwo (Female) Mask, Chokwe People

This sculpture is best identified as

A Nkisi n’kondi (power figure)

What the inclusion of projected beams to help with re plastering the mosque demonstrates

continuity within the west African tradition of building adobe structures

What the choice of a gold-leaf covering for the Golden Stook (sika dwa Kofi) of the Ashanti people was most probably motivated by

veneration of the Stook as a sacred object

what traditional characteristics of Lukasa vary in and maintain

They vary in surface details and added elements but maintain similar size and shape

What the female (Pwo) mask demonstrates and how

Continuity within the Chowke artistic tradition through its deception of the ideal, graceful, and wise woman.

Why the artist who created the Aka elephant mask continued the Bamileke tradition of incorporating elephant imagery in the work

because elephants were associated with the power and authority of kings.

What a carved figure with bent knees sits atop

A cylindrical bark contained filled with ancestral relics

How the artist created formal balance in a plaque from the Kingdom of Benin

By producing symmetry through the placement of the figures

What from the Mende people plays an important role in initiation rituals for girls

Bandu Masks

what prevailing interpretation is found in the presence of Baule people in west Africa

The Mblo masks that make it possible for the invisible world to affect the human world.