African Art

1. African Art Define, Describe, and Analyze Examples of African Art

2. I. “Traditional” African Art Forms • Masks • Sculptures • Textiles (fabrics)

3. II. No such thing as “art”? • The creators did not see themselves as “artists” • There was no word for “art” in the African languages • Most museums collected artifacts from Africa for their historical significance • Not until the 1900s did art museums begin collecting artifacts for their aesthetic value

4. III. Purpose of African Art • The objects we regard as art were not used or made for the purpose of being viewed as art pieces • Originally created for social, religious, or utilitarian purposes. • Almost all “traditional” African art that we see today was once classified as artifacts. • What is the difference between ART and ARTIFACTS???

5. IV. Culture and Ritual • The artifacts served to illustrate different aspects of culture. • art museums gathered information about the culture and used them to understand the artwork.

6. V. Fabrics and Textiles • Adinkra Cloth • Worn by the Asante • Plain fabric painted with designs using black dye and stamps. • Represent proverbs • Color meanings: • Red, Brown, and black: funerals and mourning • White: joyous celebrations

7. VI. Masks • African masks were not just for faces…covered shoulders, neck, chest, and arms. • May represents spirits of ancestors • Used for spiritual rituals and social activities • Funerals • Initiations • Entertainment

9. Anthropomorphic: depict humans • Zoologic: depict animals • Composite: both anthropomorphic and zoologic, usually depict myths or dreams • Usually depict danger or the supernatural and used only among men

11. VII. Different types and elements • Helmet masks: cover entire head • Crest masks: cover only the top of the head • Face masks, forehead masks, and shoulder masks cover each body part named. • Part of the mask, attached to the rim • Rafia or cloth • Animal fur, teeth, feathers, or antlers are often part of a mask

14. Amulets

15. Symbols used