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18 African Art

Africa's Art and Culture

  • Functional Nature: Traditional African art is woven into the daily lives and culture, distinct from Western art.

  • Spiritual Connection: Masks and figures are portals through which spirits manifest, embodying both good and evil forces.

  • Role in Society: Art symbolizes authority, social control, and is central to religious rituals, contributing to community cohesion.

  • Animism and Ancestors: Focus on ancestors and animism; spirits inhabit the world impacting human life.

Early Rock Art

  • Tassili n’Ajjer: Site of rock paintings dated 6000–4000 BCE. Features stylized depictions rather than naturalistic images.

  • Mysteries: Questions surrounding depictions as goddesses or shamans remain unresolved.

Nok Culture

  • Terracotta Sculptures: Found in Nigeria, notable for expressive faces; ritual context likely, with emphasis on stylization.

Ife Art

  • Ife Contributions: Regarded as a center of Yoruba culture; significant bronze sculptures with naturalistic styling.

  • Cultural Symbolism: Use of motifs indicating lineage and authority.

Great Zimbabwe

  • Architectural Achievements: Built from granite without mortar; intricate fitting showcasing advanced techniques.

  • Cultural Significance: Large complex symbolizing the socio-economic power of the region.

Benin Art

  • Queen Mother Idia Pendant: Ivory represents purity, honors the Obas, connects to wealth and fertility.

  • Oba's Brass Plaque: Hierarchical scale depicts royal figures and reflects the importance of kingship in society.

Fon Warrior Figure

  • Purpose: Represents a war god and embodies protection for the king.

  • Historical Context: Commissioned by King Glele, showcases artistry and cultural beliefs surrounding warfare.

Royal Ancestral Altars

  • Significance: Ritualistic objects linking ancestral kings to the living; materials reflect spirituality and status.

Sapi-Portuguese Saltcellar

  • Cross-Cultural Influences: Combines African themes with European styles; reflects trade relationships.

Ancestral Veneration

  • Cultures: Examples from Cameroon and Gabon illustrate the importance of ancestral relics in community life.

Bamun King's Throne

  • Symbol of Power: Richly decorated, showcasing the divine authority of the king.

Kongo Power Figures

  • Nkisi N'kondi: Embodiments of spirits through ritualistic empowerment; serve various roles in society.

Dogon Couples

  • Cultural Representation: Depict traditional gender roles, possibly as altars.

Chokwe Figurines

  • Ancestral Hunters: Emphasize power through stylized forms linked to cultural history.

Chiwara Ritual Object

  • Significance: Represents fertility and agriculture in Bamana culture, involving communal teachings.

Kalabari Ijo Ancestral Screens

  • Functionality: Honor deceased leaders reflecting societal hierarchy and commerce of the Niger Delta.

Asante Linguist's Staff

  • Communication Symbolism: Represents wisdom and mediation between the chief and the public.

Olowe of Ise Door Panels

  • Historical Moment: Commemorate interactions with colonial powers and reflect cultural pride.

Senufo Masks

  • Cultural Roles: Used in initiation ceremonies, reflect beliefs in ancestral power.

Mende Female Mask

  • Women’s Society: Unique in masking traditions, embodies the spirit of women within cultural practices.

Royal Costumes of the Kuba

  • Aesthetic Value: Embody wealth and culture, commissioned by kings for ceremonial purposes.

Resources for Further Learning

  • Citations: Sources from various educational and cultural institutions enhancing understanding of African art.