Unit 6 Review: Traditions and Transformations in West and Central African Art

Dynastic History

A record of the succession of rulers from the same family or line, often depicted in art.

Active Art

Art that is performative and integral to societal function, rather than static.

Idealized Naturalism

A style of representation that aims to present subjects in an idealized, realistic manner.

Oba

The king or ruler in the Benin Kingdom, often depicted with attributes of power in art.

Lost-Wax Casting

A method of metal casting where a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model.

Horror Vacui

The practice of filling all negative space in a work of art, often used in Benin plaques.

Caryatid

A sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support.

Nganga

A ritual specialist in Kongo culture, often involved in creating and empowering spiritual figures.

Bilongo

Medicinal matter placed in the Nkisi n'kondi figure's belly cavity, often used in rituals.

Ndop

A commemorative portrait figure used among the Kuba Peoples to represent their kings.

Lukasa

A memory board used by the Luba people, serving as a mnemonic device to recount histories.

Byeri

A reliquary figure used by the Fang people to guard the remains of ancestors.

Masquerade

A performance involving masks, costumes, music, and dance, significant in African art.

Bundu Mask

A mask associated with the Sande society, representing ideals of beauty and femininity.

Pwo Mask

A mask from the Chokwe people, honoring female ancestors, typically worn by men.

Portrait Mask

A secular masquerade art form honoring specific members of the community in African tradition.

Aka Elephant Mask

A ceremonial mask used by the Bamileke, symbolizing strength and power, made with glass beads.

Conceptual Choice

Deliberate stylistic decisions made by artists to convey deeper meanings in representation.

Matrilineal Society

A society in which lineage and inheritance are traced through the female line.

Spiritual Vessel

Art objects that embody the spirit or essence of a culture, differing from Western concepts of furniture.

Rosettes

Decorative elements often used in art to symbolize divinity or cultural significance.

Hierarchy of Scale

An artistic convention in which the size of figures is determined by their social importance.

Memory Aid

An object or tool designed to assist in the recollection of information or histories.

Transitional Object

Art that serves to aid individuals during significant life changes, such as initiation or coronation.

Collaboration in Art

The practice of artists and ritual specialists working together in the creation of artworks.