Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

African art, often overlooked, is an endless source of creativity and cultural expression. It offers a valuable counterpoint to Western art canons, showing that beauty and creativity are multifaceted and rooted in distinct sociocultural contexts. African art is a reflection of the rich and diverse history of the continent, covering an impressive range of styles, techniques, and materials. Studying this theme will allow for a broader and more inclusive appreciation of art and human creativity.

Contextualization

Within the Arts curriculum, the study of African art fits into a broader context of appreciation and critique of various artistic expressions. It expands our understanding of how art can be informed by sociopolitical circumstances and can function as a form of resistance and communication. African art is also intrinsically linked to the continent's history, revealing much about everyday life, religion, politics, and African identity over time. Therefore, the study of African art contributes to a more global and inclusive arts education, breaking away from the tendency to focus exclusively on Western art.

Theoretical Development

Components of Art: Africa

• Tribal Art: African art is most famously known for its tribal traditions, where art was used to express rituals, religious practices, the power of tribal leaders, and the beauty and dignity of the people. It manifests in various forms, including sculpture, painting, masks, and body adornments.
• Use of Symbolism: A captivating aspect of African art is the extensive use of symbols. Often, each figure or design in an artwork has a specific meaning, which can vary according to the region and culture.
• Wood Sculpture: Wood sculpture is one of the main forms of artistic expression in Africa, used to represent people, animals, and spiritual entities. Sculptures range in size from miniatures to large monumental works, such as the Benin bronzes, which were used as monuments for kings and queens.
• Ephemeral Art: Art in Africa is not always made to last. Many artistic expressions are created for specific ceremonies or moments in life, and then discarded or destroyed. This view of art as ephemeral adds an additional layer of complexity and meaning to African art.

Key Terms

• Culture: It is the set of knowledge, beliefs, art, morals, laws, customs, and all other habits and skills acquired by man as a member of a society.
• Identity: In the context of African art, it refers to how art connects to the understanding that Africans have of themselves and their history.
• Colonialism: A regime characterized by the occupation, political repression, and economic exploitation of one country or region by another country or region. Colonialism had a significant impact on African art and culture, both in its preservation and evolution.

Examples and Cases

• Senufo Masks: Originating from the Ivory Coast, Senufo masks are used during important rituals, such as the initiation of young men into adulthood. Each mask has distinct characteristics and symbolizes different virtues and characters.
• Benin Bronzes: These are a collection of bronze artifacts from the ancient city of Benin, Nigeria. Originally used as symbols of authority by the Oba (king), and also as decoration in palaces and temples. On a deeper level, they are symbols of the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people and the power of the ancient Kingdom of Benin.
• Paintings from the Upper Zambezi Valley: These paintings, made in the region that covers present-day Namibia, Angola, and Zambia, date from approximately 400 B.C. to 200 A.D. They depict hunts, dances, animals, and everyday scenes, revealing insights into life in the Upper Zambezi Valley during that time.

Detailed Summary

Key Points:

• Diversity of African Art: We understand that African art encompasses a wide range of styles, techniques, and materials. African art is a mirror of the diversity and rich history of the continent.

• Focus on Tribal Art: We explore the importance of tribal traditions in African art. These traditions used art as a way to express rituals, religious practices, power, and also the identity of the people.

• Ephemeral Art: We delve into the notion of ephemeral art in Africa, highlighting how many artistic expressions are created for specific moments in life or ceremonies, and not to last.

• Use of Symbolism: We investigate the rich use of symbols in African art. Each symbol has a specific meaning, which can vary according to the region and culture.

Conclusions:

• Influence of Art on Cultural Identity: African art plays an integral role in the construction and expression of African cultural identity. It is a reflection of the beliefs, practices, and values of each society.

• Resistance and Recovery through Art: By studying African art, we realize that it represents not only beauty and creativity but also resistance and recovery in the face of historical events such as colonialism.

Exercises:

1. Select an African mask of your preference and describe the different elements that compose it. Then, explain the possible meaning behind these elements.

2. Analyze an example of African wood sculpture and discuss the role that this form of art plays in communicating African culture and history.

3. Choose a painting from the Upper Zambezi Valley and describe the elements you see. Reflect on how this painting reveals information about life in the region during that time.