What is African art history?
What is African art history?
African art history has played a significant role in shaping the culture and history of the world. The belief that Africa is the cradle of the history of mankind is virtually unshakeable. ... A study of African art history indicates the earliest sculpture forms found come from Nigeria and are dated around 500BC.
What was the main subject in most ancient African art?
people
Which is a major characteristic of traditional African art?
Elongated necks, enlarged heads and arms, pointed breasts, and the like are often found in human being forms which are frequently the subject of African art. These are examples of the notable dynamic forms in this art, representing vitality, power, and boldness of humanity.
Why is African art important?
Many African cultures emphasize the importance of ancestors as intermediaries between the living, the gods, and the supreme creator, and art is seen as a way to contact these spirits of ancestors. Art may also be used to depict gods, and is valued for its functional purposes.
What makes African art unique?
Often depicting the abundance of surrounding nature, the art was often abstract interpretations of animals, plant life, or natural designs and shapes. More complex methods of producing art were first introduced to Sub-Saharan Africa around the 13th century, along with the spread of Islam.
What is African tribal art?
African tribal art consists of wood carvings, (masks and sculptures), stone carvings, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, basketry, textiles, pipes, musical instruments, weapons, beadwork and the production of architectural features like doors and wall decoration and construction.
What is the oldest traditional art in Nigeria?
Terracotta Culture
What does the head symbolize in African art?
Among the Yoruba in southwestern Nigeria, the head is the wellspring of wisdom and seat of divine power (àse). The head is divided into the external head (orí òde), emblem of individuality, and the interior or spiritual head (orí inú), the life source that controls the outer head.
What are the four major forms found in African art?
The first form is the human figure, which would represent chiefs, dead ancestors, and more. The second form is abstraction and stylization which was prefered over realistic representations. The third form was sculpture.
What is West African art?
Introduction. West African arts include many of the most outstanding works from the continent and in the world. Home to both large empires and nomadic groups, this region has produced cultures that have created a diversity of art forms, from monumental architecture to small and intimate personal objects.
How is West African art different from Western art?
African Art is much different in use from its Western Art counterparts. Western Art, is used to decorate walls and can be studied for its perspective, lines, symmetry and many other artistic forms. African Art was used as an integral part of the societies rituals, dances and ceremonies.
Why is Africa considered the cradle of art and civilization?
Explanation: Africa is considered as the Cradle of art and civilization because there were the first artistic manifestations, especially in Egypt, a country belonging to this continent, which has been considered as one of the most important civilizations in ancient times, since there the following types emerge ...
What are the 3 major religions in Africa?
The three main religious traditions—African traditional religion, Christianity, and Islam—constitute the triple religious heritage of the African continent.
Which religion is the highest in Nigeria?
Nigeria has the largest Muslim and Christian population in sub-Saharan Africa. Islam dominates the north and has a number of supporters in the southwestern, Yoruba part of the country.
Which religion is the most populous in the world?
Adherents in 2020