The African Studies Center and MATRIX Digital Humanities Center at Michigan State University, comp. Module 7B: African History, the Era of Global Encroachment. Exploring Africa. Exploring Africa. Matrix. Web. 28 Nov. 2011. .…
In Suzanne Preston Blier’s article Enduring Myths of African Art, she articulates seven of the most common myths believed around the world surrounding African art. Of those seven myths, one that stands most true is the myth that African art is bound by place; the idea that African art in particular travels nowhere and its ideas are constrained to just the cultures they are sculpted in. Blier states, “The African art of myth is also frequently presented, incorrectly again, as an art rigidly bound by place.”1 She continues to express how most of the African art objects and styles studied are judiciously ascribed to particular regions and cultures as if they have no ability to circulate…
Read carefully Reading 2.6, ‘Works of Art from Benin City’, in Book 3 Chapter 2 and look closely at Plate 3.2.27, Plate showing four sixteenth century brass plaques from Benin’, in the illustration book. With close attention to both, discuss reasons why the ownership and location of the art of Benin have been controversial and continue to be so.…
It is said that the Africa culture stands out more than any other culture In the World. With a rich and diverse culture African culture is known to change from county to county, many cultures along with traditions are found in Africa which makes Africa diverse, unique and mesmerizing in many ways to the world. Africa culture is all about the ethnic group’s family traditions, the literature, art and music shows the religion along with the social paths of their culture. (Nafisa Baxamusa, 2011)…
If you are passionate about art and love it, especially African art then you are going to enjoy this site. We are going to learn about the various regions of the continent, get to know about the local people and artisans who craft these beautiful works of art and also learn about the various kinds of African art.…
The magical power of African Art, illustrated in the nkisi nknode figure is unfamiliar to Westerners because we don't know the context of the art and the intention of the artist. Westerners are interpreting that illustration without any real knowledge of the culture. Due to these figures been in museums in West, the culture has lost a great deal of their history and memory. The Westerners in return have gained some knowledge and have created there own interpretation of the figures. The culture also suffered a great loss because the figures that were designed to evoke awe in the spectators were destroyed by European Missionaries because they saw their work as witchcraft and direct evidence of African Idolatry.…
Art around the world serves all different purposes, not all of these seem traditional to the people of western civilization. For example the art of many african tribes and cultures is very different from the classic styles of the european tradition. Art from these areas usually serves a larger purpose to the people. Either representing religious figures or the leaders of the tribe. The subjects of these works of art are often crafted in an idealized manner as to show their greatness. One great representation of African art is the plaques of the city state Benin. In south east africa this city state was well known for its royal art as well as its unique way of creating metal works. One specific work of art from the region is the Plaque of the Warrior Chief Flanked by Warriors and Attendants, which was a version of political propaganda. Made using the process of wax casting, which involves creating molds and pouring extremely hot melted metal into the moulds. This particular plaque told the story of a divine and powerful king, shown with many symbols that conveyed this message to the people.…
ART: has a role of socializing children into the culture (teaches you things you should value as a child, relationships, communication of personal and group identity. Legitimize political leaders, political resistance and social change (such as graffiti) and art done during times of war.…
The origins of African art lie long before recorded history. African rock art in the Sahara in Niger preserves 6000-year-old carvings. The earliest known sculptures are from the Nok culture of Nigeria, made around 500 BCE. Along…
Art has long been around for millions and millions of years for example it has been around since the Prehistoric times. Paleolithic which is "Old Stone Age" is a term used to define the oldest period in the human history. The Paleolithic or Palaeolithic - lit. Old stone from the Greek paleos=old and lithos=stone. It began about 2 million years ago, from the use of first stone tools and ended of the Pleistocene epoch, with the close of the last ice age about 13,000 BC. After Prehistoric Art there came Ancient Art which portrayed for example Egyptian art. Egypt during this time is important because of the religion and the respect for death ruled their art. They built mostly temples, graves and adopted strict canons controlled by the priests. Our knowledge of Egyptian civilization rests almost entirely on them and their contents since they were built to endure forever. Conventions of ancient Egyptian believes and culture strongly affected the art. The Pharaoh (King) considered divine. They built great tombs for their Pharaohs (kings), who were not only the supreme rulers but gods. Tombs contained everything the deceased might want or need in the afterlife and much of our knowledge of…
Stored away and hidden from sight; then ultimately left with no source of might. In those two instances, African-American art faces a similar fate when in the hands of modern museums. Once seen as a vibrant form of black expression now slowly ascending into disintegration.…
Aside from clothing being an art unto itself, the earliest forms of sculptured art found as early as 500 B.C. in West Africa consisted of distorted human statues and masks. It is speculated that these statues and figures inspired Picasso's experiments with Cubism. The Yoruba people of Ife also influenced lost-wax cast metal art, also known as Benin Art after the people of Benin perfected the art to the highest quality. The Village craft workers had extensive knowledge of pottery and metalworking temperature changes to prevent the materials from cracking during the casting process. The guild workers in Benin City forged and cast clay and metal in wax casts that were shaped into pots, masks, and statues. After which they hammered and embellished with one of kind designs. An official of the Berlin Museum für Völkerkunde once stated that:…
African masks have influenced many well known artists and have been the origins of art. Pablo Picasso was inspired by the diverse art forms of the african mask. The patterns of African masks are unique and different that other types of art. These masks are usually used in ceremonies, weddings, and more. They represent the spirits of their ancestors and they also represent the bond between nature and mankind. Almost every detail on the African mask is a representation of their belief.…
Art is a very important part of the Africans way of life. African's have created many works of art using natural materials such as clay, and wood. Their sculptures are usually carved and decorated for ceremonies and religious purpose. Elaborate head coverings are also used for spiritual purposes. African headdresses are easy to identify because of their intricate details and bright colors. Headdresses are use for many reasons in the African culture such as peacekeepers for the uncanny world of the dead and the world of ancestors. The head coverings were often worn by dancers to bring energy and life to the ceremony.…
Yoruba is not your typical way when you think about their rulers and what they mean. Yoruba puts a lot into what they wear, and what they represent. Almost everything they put on has some meaning to their past rulers or something they cherish. Even where they live has some type of meaning, which I think bring the whole town together.…