Rich in culture and ecological diversity Artworks are based on regional, local, and cultural links; influenced by history, trade, and colonialism. African art is mainly composed by local, perishable materials. African art is based on 5 essential characteristics:
1. Visual abstraction- emphasis to create art that is abstract in form, shape, and design. Art that embodies supernatural symbols over naturalistic renderings 2. Performance- Art forms created with performance contexts in mind. Personal decoration, public display, utility, and communal purposes are all factors. 3. Humanism/Anthropomorphism- Art that focuses on representations of the human body, spirit, society, and traditions.
4. Multiplicity of Meaning- Art that incorporates many meanings to different members of society based on age, level of knowledge, and level of initiation. 5. Supernatural adaptation- Art meant for spiritual and cultural connections. This is based on location, ethnicity, and spiritual beliefs.
Masquerades- a gathering or performance with great religious and cultural significance to the participants of only men.
Great Mask w/ Attendant, Dogon, Mali The Great Mask dance is done in a ceremony called AWA, led by spiritual leaders It is a ceremonial dance led by the spiritual leaders to initiate younger males of the tribe to become masters of sigi so Sigi so- ritual language of the spirit masters The Great Mask is used as an alter piece when not in dance The mask commemorates the legend and death of Dogon hero Lebe Serou, who was transformed into a snake while rescuing his village.
Zamble in Performance, Guro, Buafla, Cote D Ivoire, 1975 Performance meant to channel the spirits of the animals. Animal spirits thought to be mystical and contain healing properties. The spirits of these animals are thought to be contained in the bush- the dense part of the forest or jungle where spirits reside. The dancer also performs with perishable materials such as palm fiber skirts, fiber ruffles, and animal hide.
Fulani Men at Gerewol, Southern Niger. Gerewol- festival to celebrate masculine beauty and charm. Young men are asked to participate in a dance or ceremony in which they are not allowed to show signs of fatigue and discomfort. Men dress in colorful cloth and garments; paint is added to the eyes, nose, and mouth to accentuate favored features. Men show virility and strength by big smiles, wide eyed glances, and bright paint.
Fulani Women at Gerewol, Southern Niger. During Gerewol, women act as judges selecting a champion from among the dancers. Women are dressed in muted garments, distinct hairstyles, and paint or tattoo their faces as a sign of beauty. Unmarried women are free to bestow sexual favors to dancers they find attractive but in public they are to avert their eyes and exhibit reservation in public. Gerewol is a festival that acknowledges the culture s sexual desire for healthy & beautiful children.
Hleeta- The process of marking the skin of women with tiny cuts that heal to produce raised marks. Markings symbolize sexual maturity, beauty, and status Older women with hleeta are instructed by the spirit named N gamsa to make markings. Done in several stages beginning at the age of 6 with a betrothal to the 1 st husband.
Every time she receives new markings, the fiancé must bestow a gift to her family. Consummation of marriage may not proceed until the last mark has been given to her body and her betrothal has given enough gifts. The hleeta designs on a woman s body also adorn the outside of her house, her belongings, and textiles she wears. The engravings and markings on a woman embody her role in society, marriage, and to the community.
African architecture is extremely diverse in their own architectural traditions but are also heavily influenced by the outside. Architecture varies from region to region in that they incorporate local materials, beliefs, and communal housing. Common theme in traditional African architecture is that the smaller structures always tend to look similar to the larger structures. (ex. circular village made of circular houses)
Nankani Compound, Sirigu, Ghana. Compound made up of smaller circular buildings with communal courtyards for cooking, meetings, and other. The compound is separated by gender with male dwellings on the outside and female dwellings in the interior. Nankani people recognize roles among genders. Women are nurturers and child bearers associated with pottery, cooking, and household chores. Men are associated as protectors, providers, and leaders.
Nankani Compound, Sirigu, Ghana. The women s dwelling is the cooking and pottering making part of the compound. This part is more private and secluded. The men s dwelling is close to the single entrance of the compound with small windows to shoot arrows from. The men meet in the communal courtyard for important diplomatic decisions. Death rituals: removal of the body through a man made hole in the dwelling that the deceased slept. This way the entrance of the compound won t be compromised.
Great Mosque, Jenne, Mali, 13 th century (rebuilt 1907) Built in the 13 th century when a sultan converted to Muslim and created a mosque for communal worshipping. The Great Mosque is the center of the community not only holding major events but also the meeting place for outdoor markets and festivals. The mosque is made of sun baked earth bricks coated with plaster giving it a sculpted smooth exterior.
Great Mosque, Jenne, Mali, 13 th century (rebuilt 1907) The exterior is decorated with palm sticks (toron) which serves an aesthetic as well as constructional purpose. Mosque created with Muslim symbolism including a prayer wall that faces Mecca, box like towers or minarets toped with ostrich eggs symbolizing fertility and cosmos, and 5 pillars symbolizing the Pillars of Islam. Building is squared shaped symbolizing the Kaaba or cube located in Mecca.