Traditional African Art: A Beginner’s Guide

Traditional African Art: A Beginner’s Guide

by David Norden, 16/12/2023 owner of www.buyafricanantiques.com

Are you interested in learning more about the diverse and varied artistic expressions of the cultures and communities across the African continent? If so, you are in the right place. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common characteristics and themes of traditional African art, such as the use of masks, sculptures, pottery, textiles, metalwork, and symbolism. We will also explain the purpose and function of traditional African art in relation to religious, social, political, and aesthetic aspects of life. Finally, we will provide some historical and geographical context for the development and diversity of traditional African art, such as the influence of ancient civilizations, trade, colonization, and modernization. And tips for collectors of African Art.

What are the striking masks produced by many cultures across the continent?

One of the most recognizable and distinctive features of traditional African art is the use of masks. Masks are found in various regions and traditions of Africa, such as the Zamble masks of the Guro culture in Ivory Coast, the Yoruba masks in Nigeria, the Lulua and Pende masks in Congo . Each mask has its own style, design, and meaning, reflecting the beliefs, values, and identity of the people who created and used them.

Guro Zamble Mask
Guro. Zamble Helmet Crest Mask, 19th century. Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.756.
Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward

Masks are not merely decorative objects, but rather powerful and sacred tools for communicating with the spiritual world. They are often worn by specially trained or initiated individuals, such as priests, healers, dancers, or performers, who act as mediators between the human and the divine forest spirits realms. Masks are used in various rituals, ceremonies, and events, such as initiation rites, funerals, festivals, and masquerades. Through the masks, the wearers embody the spirits of the ancestors, the gods, the animals, or the forces of nature, and convey their messages, blessings, or warnings to the community.

Masks also have a significant impact and influence on the development of modern art in Europe during the early 20th century, especially on the Cubist movement and artists such as Pablo Picasso or Matisse ( who was also inspired by e.g. Inuit masks) . Many European artists were fascinated by the masks’ geometric shapes, abstract forms, and expressive features, and incorporated the same techniques used by the Native artists into their own works. They also admired the masks’ spiritual and symbolic meanings, and sought to create a new artistic language that transcended the boundaries of realism and rationalism.

What is the intended function of many African sculptures as talismans or vessels for communicating with the dead ancestors during religious events?

Another prominent and prevalent form of traditional African art is sculpture. Sculptures are made from various materials, such as wood, clay, metal, ivory, or stone, and represent different subjects, such as human figures, animals, or abstract shapes. Sculptures are not only aesthetic objects, but also functional and meaningful ones, as they serve as talismans or vessels for communicating with the dead ancestors during religious events.

Ancestor worship is a common and important concept in many African cultures and religions, as the dead are believed to have a continuous and influential presence in the living world. The ancestors are revered and respected as the sources of life, wisdom, and protection, and are consulted and appeased for guidance, support, and harmony. Sculptures are used to represent, honor, or invoke the ancestors, and are often placed in shrines, altars, or tombs, where offerings, prayers, or sacrifices are made to them.

Some examples of sculptures that are used for ancestor worship are the Teke figures in Congo, Ndops of the royal Kuba culture in Congo, the Nok terracotta figures in Nigeria, and the Dogon wooden statues in Mali. Each sculpture has its own symbolism and aesthetics, such as the exaggerated or abstract features, the use of animal motifs, the incorporation of metals, and the attention to detail and beauty. The sculptures are not meant to be realistic or naturalistic portraits of the ancestors, but rather idealized or stylized representations of their essence, power, and personality.

Teke figure

Statuette Teke figure, provenance Robert Lehuard avant 1933
Hauteur= 25 cm

What are the characteristics and techniques of pottery in traditional African art?

Pottery is another common and diverse form of traditional African art, found in various cultures and regions of the continent. Pottery includes different types and functions, such as jugs, vessels, bowls, and figurines, and is made from clay, which is shaped, fired, glazed, and decorated. Pottery is not only a practical and utilitarian object, but also an artistic and cultural one, as it expresses the creativity, identity, and spirituality of the makers and users.

Pottery involves various methods and skills, such as coiling, which is the technique of building up the clay by adding coils or ropes of clay on top of each other, and firing, which is the process of heating the clay in a kiln or an open fire to harden it and make it durable. Glazing is the technique of applying a thin layer of liquid clay or other substances to the surface of the pottery to give it a shiny, colorful, or textured finish. Decorating is the technique of adding patterns, designs, or motifs to the pottery, using tools, stamps, brushes, or fingers.

Pottery has a lot of artistic and cultural value, as it reflects the social and environmental factors that influence the makers and users, such as the availability of resources, the level of technology, the style of expression, and the purpose of use. Pottery also preserves the history and heritage of the people, as it records their stories, beliefs, and traditions, and passes them on to the next generations.

Famous African Art Pottery can be found in Nigeria with Nok figures, Mangbetu pottery, Lobi dotted pots, or Krinjabo figures from the Akan in Ghana.

Akan figure
Akan figure commemorative statue. Terracotta.
H= 25 cm.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about traditional African art. As you can see, traditional African art is not a monolithic or homogeneous category, but rather a rich and diverse field of artistic expressions, with different forms, styles, meanings, and functions. Traditional African art is not only important and relevant for its own sake, but also for its contribution to the global artistic and cultural heritage. If you want to learn more and explore traditional African art, here are some suggestions and resources:

 

    • Watch a video or a documentary that features traditional African art, such as Africa’s Great Civilizations, Beginning with Africa's ancient history as the cradle of mankind, this documentary series with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. brings to life the epic stories of both little-known and celebrated African kingdoms and cultures.

  • Buy genuine African Art from David Norden's collection in Antwerp, Belgium ( online of in his shop) at www.BuyAfricanAntiques.com