Examples of Early African Civilizations
AFRICAN CIVILIZATION
One example of early African civilization would be the Nok culture. The best example of their works of art were the very expressive terracotta heads with large eyes, mouths and ears. One such work of art is the Nok head from Rafin Kura. Another example is the Lydenburg Head from South Africa.
Later around the 9th and 10th centuries CE in West Africa advanced works of art cast in bronze were created. The equestrian figure on fly-whisk hilt is one example of such art. The head is exaggerated being a common trait among the art of early cultures and the stripes most probably are the representation of titled status.
In the medieval period between the 11th and the 18th centuries we witness a blend of different cultures mostly correlated with the introduction of Islam and Christianity. Around this period Nomadic people were excelling in the art of personal adornment, producing paintings and engravings depicting rituals and wild animals. In this period the sensitive, meticulously rendered naturalism prevailed. One example of such art is the sculpture of the king of the Ife. This kind of sculptures served the kings mostly in ceremonies. The disproportionately large head can be easily noticed. This represents the Ife belief that the head is the seat of wisdom. A second significant example of the medieval period in African culture are the Djenne terracottas which are quite contrasting to the statues of the Ile Ife. The archers of the terracottas are thing with tubular limbs and an elongated head with prominent facial features. These sculptures represent warriors dressed in military equipment. Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures and even more diverse art forms. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the most representative.
One example of early African civilization would be the Nok culture. The best example of their works of art were the very expressive terracotta heads with large eyes, mouths and ears. One such work of art is the Nok head from Rafin Kura. Another example is the Lydenburg Head from South Africa.
Later around the 9th and 10th centuries CE in West Africa advanced works of art cast in bronze were created. The equestrian figure on fly-whisk hilt is one example of such art. The head is exaggerated being a common trait among the art of early cultures and the stripes most probably are the representation of titled status.
In the medieval period between the 11th and the 18th centuries we witness a blend of different cultures mostly correlated with the introduction of Islam and Christianity. Around this period Nomadic people were excelling in the art of personal adornment, producing paintings and engravings depicting rituals and wild animals. In this period the sensitive, meticulously rendered naturalism prevailed. One example of such art is the sculpture of the king of the Ife. This kind of sculptures served the kings mostly in ceremonies. The disproportionately large head can be easily noticed. This represents the Ife belief that the head is the seat of wisdom. A second significant example of the medieval period in African culture are the Djenne terracottas which are quite contrasting to the statues of the Ile Ife. The archers of the terracottas are thing with tubular limbs and an elongated head with prominent facial features. These sculptures represent warriors dressed in military equipment. Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures and even more diverse art forms. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the most representative.