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African Art. Define, Describe, and Analyze Examples of African Art. I. “Traditional” African Art Forms. Masks Sculptures Textiles (fabrics). II. No such thing as “art”?. The creators did not see themselves as “artists” There was no word for “art” in the African languages
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African Art Define, Describe, and Analyze Examples of African Art
I. “Traditional” African Art Forms • Masks • Sculptures • Textiles (fabrics)
II. No such thing as “art”? • The creators did not see themselves as “artists” • There was no word for “art” in the African languages • Most museums collected artifacts from Africa for their historical significance • Not until the 1900s did art museums begin collecting artifacts for their aesthetic value
III. Purpose of African Art • The objects we regard as art were not used or made for the purpose of being viewed as art pieces • Originally created for social, religious, or utilitarian purposes. • Almost all “traditional” African art that we see today was once classified as artifacts. • What is the difference between ART and ARTIFACTS???
IV. Culture and Ritual • The artifacts served to illustrate different aspects of culture. • art museums gathered information about the culture and used them to understand the artwork.
V. Fabrics and Textiles • Adinkra Cloth • Worn by the Asante • Plain fabric painted with designs using black dye and stamps. • Represent proverbs • Color meanings: • Red, Brown, and black: funerals and mourning • White: joyous celebrations
VI. Masks • African masks were not just for faces…covered shoulders, neck, chest, and arms. • May represents spirits of ancestors • Used for spiritual rituals and social activities • Funerals • Initiations • Entertainment
Anthropomorphic: depict humans • Zoologic: depict animals • Composite: both anthropomorphic and zoologic, usually depict myths or dreams • Usually depict danger or the supernatural and used only among men
VII. Different types and elements • Helmet masks: cover entire head • Crest masks: cover only the top of the head • Face masks, forehead masks, and shoulder masks cover each body part named. • Part of the mask, attached to the rim • Rafia or cloth • Animal fur, teeth, feathers, or antlers are often part of a mask