Sub-Sahara African Art

Sub-Sahara African Art Sara Crawford Hour 3

Sub Sahara Africa • Below the Sahara Desert there are three main types of societies. • Nomadic Tribes • Sedentary Farming Cultures in the savanna and rainforest area. • Ancient sophisticated Kingdoms of Nigeria and the Guinea Cost.

What is typical of Sub-Sahara African Art? • Most African art uses geometric abstraction and has religious orientation. • Much of African art also relates to ceremonies.

Nomadic Tribes • Nomads did not produce large sculptures because they were always roaming and could not transport many material items. • They made mostly masks that were in religions ceremonies.

Sedentary Farming • Sedentary Farming Cultures had masks as well but also had sculptures. • Masks were used in ritual ceremonies to embody spiritual forces. Page 127

Ancient sophisticated Kingdoms of Nigeria and the Guinea Cost. • The art of this culture was very different from others in the fact that the art focused on the wealthy rather than the poor. • Kingdoms began very early such as 500 BC when the Nok culture began creating terra cotta figures. • 2000 years later the Ife people began creating very realisitc human sculptures.

Contemporary African Art • Picasso and Matisse were two artistes that were influenced bu the geometric abstraction of African Art. • The art of Africa continues to reflect its history diversity and complexity. • Images can be found on page 129

This is the only slide from Sub-Sahara African art Mr. Mosier said you must know. Akua ‘ba Doll 19th – 20th century, Ashanti Culture, Ghana. Wood, 11 3/4’” high. British Museum, London

Sub-Sahara African Art