Unit 6: Indigenous African Art (1100–1980 CE)

African art

A diverse collection of creative traditions from Africa that is primarily functional and active.

Functional art

Artworks that serve practical purposes, often in the contexts of religion, social stability, or political power.

Active Art

Art that is meant to be performed, touched, or ritually activated, rather than just viewed.

Oral Tradition

Histories preserved through spoken word rather than written texts, with art serving as mnemonic devices.

Ancestors and Lineage

A theme in African art emphasizing the veneration of ancestors for community protection and success.

Kingship and Power

A theme in African art that validates the authority of rulers through materials and iconography.

Gender Roles

The specific roles and responsibilities attributed to males and females in African societies, often reflected in art.

Duality

The balancing of opposing forces (e.g., chaos/order, male/female) as represented in African art.

Common materials in African art

Wood, metal, earth, and trade goods used in the creation of art.

Wood in African art

The most common material used in African art, though it decays quickly.

Metal in African art

Bronze, brass, and iron are used, with bronze and brass often associated with royalty.

Lost-Wax Casting Process

A technique used to create hollow metal sculptures, notably by the Benin and Ashanti peoples.

Great Zimbabwe

A royal center built with coursed granite blocks, dating c. 1000–1400 CE.

Ashlar Masonry

A construction technique where stones are fitted together without mortar.

Batter

The inward slope of walls for stability in building construction.

Conical Tower of Great Zimbabwe

Represents royal authority and the power to provide food.

Great Mosque of Djenné

An iconic mosque built of adobe, serving as a center of commerce and learning in Mali.

Torons

Wooden beams projecting from mosque walls for texture and re-plastering scaffolding.

Crepissage

An annual community festival for maintaining the mosque before the rainy season.

Wall Plaque from Oba’s Palace

A 16th-century cast brass plaque that represents the authority of the Oba in Benin.

Hierarchic Scale

A artistic representation where larger figures indicate greater importance.

Sika dwa kofi

The Golden Stool of the Ashanti, representing the soul of the nation.

War of the Golden Stool (1900)

A conflict sparked by a British demand to sit on the Ashanti Golden Stool.

Ndop (Portrait Figure)

An idealized wooden portrait representing the king of the Kuba peoples.

Ikenga (Shrine Figure)

Wooden figures symbolizing individual achievement and masculine power in Igbo culture.

Power Figure (Nkisi n’kondi)

A Kongo figure used for judicial and healing purposes, activated through nails.

Bundu Mask

A mask worn by women in the Sande Society to honor female beauty and transformation.

Female (Pwo) Mask

A mask representing matrilineal ancestry and honoring female ancestors.

Portrait Mask (Mblo)

A Baule mask used for entertainment, honoring specific living individuals.

Aka Elephant Mask

A Bamileke mask showcasing wealth, used in performances by the Kuosi society.

Nkisi n'kondi

A Kongo power figure that activates spirits through the insertion of nails.

Mblo Mask

A Baule mask for honoring living individuals, differing from most religious masks.

Ikenga

An Igbo personal shrine figure symbolizing the power of the right hand and personal success.

Reliquary Figure (Byeri)

A Fang figure used as a guardian for ancestral bones, balancing life and death.

Lukasa (Memory Board)

A Luba mnemonic device that is held in hand to recall history.

Common Mistakes in African Art Studies

Avoid using terms like 'primitive,' assuming all masks are for men, and misunderstanding complex structures.

Olowe of Ise

A recognized artist in African art known for his distinct style and recorded name.

Granite vs. Brass

Granite is significant in Great Zimbabwe, while brass is notable in the Kingdom of Benin.

Trade Goods in African Art

Includes glass beads, cowrie shells, and fabrics, significantly impacting material availability.

Symbolism in Great Mosque of Djenné

Uses elements like ostrich eggs to symbolize fertility and purity.

Veneration of Ancestors

A key theme in African art that emphasizes respect and honor towards preceding familial generations.