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ART &
CRAFT
When a person views African art, several themes seem to come
up over and over again. These themes are representations of different things
that are significant to African culture; and reveal the importance behind some
of its most beautiful art.
- The
common themes are:
- A
couple
A woman and a child
A male with a weapon or animal
An
outsider or "stranger"
Couples are most commonly shown as freestanding figures of relatively
the same size and stature. They may be representative of ancestors, a married
couple, twins, or community founders. This is representative of the importance
placed on two as one. Most art of this type was developed for shrines or for
positions of ceremonial honor. Sexual intimacy is rare in African carvings.
This in that it is rare for men and women to display their affection publicly.
The most common theme of the male and female couple is that of strength and
honor; not love and intimacy.
The mother and child couple is often
representative of mother earth and the people as her children. African women
will generally have a very strong desire for children as well however. The
strong desire that a woman has to bear children further shows the strong mother
child relationship that is a vital part of African culture
A male with a
weapon or animal (commonly a horse) is commonly produced to show honor to
departed ancestors. Animals are rarely sculpted for the purpose of showing the
inward or outward beauty of the animal; but to give status to the person. Even
today, many in Africa would consider the ownership of a horse to be of greater
status than the ownership of an automobile. Showing a person with a horse would
then be giving great honor to them. Sometimes people are shown with animals
that are not really ridden; possibly even mythical. The purpose is to show the
power given to one who rides such an animal; and the wealth that they must
have.
As women achieve significance through their children, men will
often be honored in warfare. The one who goes into battle must have physical,
emotional and spiritual energy to survive and to conquer. Thus the emphasis on
weapons and the spoils of war in many African works.
A final common
representation in African art is that of the stranger. In Africa, a stranger is
someone from a different country or tribe. They would usually not be welcomed;
and the more distorted the portrayal of the stranger, the greater the gap that
is normally symbolized. Sometimes strangers; especially white foreigners; are
given a form of respect based on their relatively great weaponry and other
powers.
Unfortunately, much of African art comes with no explanation of
the meaning intended to be symbolized when it was created. When the meaning can
be discerned, the deeper understanding gained and fuller appreciation of the
cultural heritage can be obtained in a more meaningful and memorable way.
Information and images kindly provided by
Africa Imports
African Jewelry
Much of African culture places great
emphasis on appearance and therefore on jewelry. African jewelry has been given
tremendous attention for centuries. Own a useful and beautiful part of African
culture now. Many pieces of African jewelry contain cowry shells. They are not
only beautiful but also symbolic!
Click here to have a browse through
our
Jewellery selection
All jewelry shown is completely hand made,
authentic, and completely African in origin and design. This jewelry will be
noticed by everyone, will make tremendous conversation pieces. A huge selection
of African Jewelry. You will find many things to create a new look; to
complement your wardrobe; or to make the perfect gift.
Masks
Masks are representative of many different things in
African history and culture. Ancestry is very important to the African people
to show honor to their ancestors. They design the masks with elaborate hair and
jewelry to show great wealth and honor so their ancestors will be pleased with
them and bring blessings. Ancestors are greatly to be feared if they are
angered, so the people are very careful to be honoring to them at all times.
Masks are greatly revered in African culture
Many masks are used in
ceremonies generally depicting deities, spirits of ancestors, mythological
beings, good and or evil spirits, the dead, animal spirits, and other beings
believed to have power over humanity.
Wood Carvings & Art Work
For
full selection please visit our Art & Craft
shop
Books about African Arts & Craft
African Accents
offers an exciting glimpse at West
African cultures and presents beautiful, tangible, and useful items reflective
of those cultures for readers to make |
African Fabrics
take mystery out of African fabric
design and teaches sewers of all levels where to buy fabrics, how to choose
them, and the best sewing techniques. |
African Art
The art of the Fang, the BaTeke, the
BaKota and other African peoples is extremely vigorous and shows a brilliant
sense of form. |
Short History of African Art
An history of the
visual arts of Africa - sculpture, painting and architecture; textiles, pottery
and other household objects; jewellery, ceremonial and religious dress and body
art. |
(amazon.com) - USA
(amazon.co.uk) - Europe |
(amazon.com) - USA
(amazon.co.uk) - Europe |
(amazon.com) - USA
(amazon.co.uk) - Europe |
(amazon.com) - USA
(amazon.co.uk) - Europe |
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Africa Adorned
Shows hairstyles, jewelry, clothing,
and body art used in each region of Africa and discusses the religious and
cultural significance of African ornament. |
African Elegance
Africa's rich traditions of crafts
and decorative arts - Concentrating on Africa south of the Sahara, this book
highlights the jewellery, bead-work, leatherwork, stone carving, textiles,
masks and metalwork of a variety of cultures.
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(amazon.com) - USA
(amazon.co.uk) - Europe |
(amazon.com) - USA
(amazon.co.uk) - Europe |
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Click for full range of Books about African
Art & Craft |
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