Art of Ancient Africa Notes

Ancient African Art

Introduction

  • In 1919, a German scholar discovered a sculpture that challenged European perceptions of African art.

  • Initially, he speculated that the head might be from the lost city of Atlantis, a technologically advanced civilization destroyed by a flood.

  • Dating tests later confirmed that the sculpture was indeed African, found in an area the Yoruba people consider the "navel of civilization."

Overview of Topics

  • Africa as the cradle of art and civilization.

  • The archaeological site of Igbo Uku.

  • Art and architecture of Djenne.

  • The Congo Kingdom: political organization and artistic sophistication.

Key Terms:

  • Blombos Cave

  • Abstract Thought

  • Igbo Uku

  • Alloy

  • Djenne

  • Slip

  • Congo Kingdom

  • Conversion

  • Royal Regalia

Geographical Locations

  • Djenne: Located in modern-day Mali.

  • Igbo Uku: Archaeological site in present-day Nigeria.

  • Congo Kingdom (Mibonza): Location to be examined more closely.

  • Blombos Cave: Southernmost tip of Africa.

Blombos Cave

  • Artifacts found here date back more than 70,000 years.

  • Significantly older than prehistoric cave paintings (30,000-35,000 years old) discussed in previous lectures.

  • The discovery suggests abstract thought in humans occurred much earlier than previously believed.

  • A stone discovered in the cave has an intentional design carved into it demonstrating that humans have the ability to think abstractly.

Africa as the Cradle of Art and Civilization

  • Africa is considered the cradle of art and civilization because the earliest evidence of human art and civilization has been discovered there.

Igbo Uku

  • The site contains the earliest known evidence of copper alloy or bronze casting in Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Included an elite burial and shrine complex.

  • Artifacts demonstrate thoughtful, planned, and geometric designs.

Djenne Art

  • Figures, such as a horseman, were created by polishing and covering them with a red clay slip{\rm slip}.

  • Slip{\rm Slip} is clay with extra water added, used to fill in places and give a red cast to the piece.

  • Figures were formed using rolls of clay (coils) and then engraved with details.

Djenne Architecture

  • Islam became an economic and religious force in West and North Africa by the 13th century.

  • The mosque in Djenne features wooden beams that act as scaffolding for reconstruction and resurfacing.

Congo Kingdom

  • The Portuguese encountered the Congo culture in 1492, leading to significant changes.

  • In 1491, King Nzinga converted to Christianity:

    • Solidified trade relations with the Portuguese.

    • Increased wealth and trade.

    • Increased production of textiles and royal regalia.

Textiles in the Congo Kingdom

  • Textiles/rugs were used as currency and in funerary rituals.

  • Employed a special technique that made them feel luxurious.

  • Showed geometric influence.

Christian Symbols and Figures

  • The cross symbolized Christ's sacrifice.

  • Saint figures symbolized the protection of women and children.

  • Were held in hand and rubbed for good luck.

Royal Regalia

  • Items, such as walking sticks, were adorned with Christian symbols and saint figures.

  • These items were possessed and displayed by people of wealth and nobility.

Objective Review

  • Africa as the cradle of art and civilization.

  • Igbo Uku as an important archaeological find.

  • Art and architecture of Djenne.

  • The Congo Kingdom's political organization and artistic sophistication after the king's conversion.

Conclusion

  • The sculpture was not from Atlantis but represents a legendary country with legendary art.