African Arts

By mellycarr99
  • Period: Mar 21, 1100 to

    African arts

    "African Arts Reading and Images." African Arts Reading and Images. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.
    Mrreese. "The Mysterious Stone Kingdom of the Great Zimbabwe." Ancient Origins. Ancient Origins, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.
    "Ikenga." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 2 Mar. 2015. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikenga.
    "Khan Academy." Khan Academy. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2017.
  • Mar 22, 1400

    Conical tower and circular wall of Great Zimbabwe. Southeastern Zimbabwe. Shona peoples.Coursed granite blocks.

    Conical tower and circular wall of Great Zimbabwe. Southeastern Zimbabwe. Shona peoples.Coursed granite blocks.
    Built 900 years ago it is comprised of several stone walls, monuments, and buildings built mainly of granite. The structures were created using a method called dry stonewalling. It spans almost 1800 acres of the southeastern area of the country of Zimbabwe. It is estimated that construction spanned more than 300 years, and that the complexes housed a civilization of up to 18,000 people. Researchers believe it was used as a political marker of the king's success and power.

  • Wall plaque, from Oba's palace. Edo peoples, Benin (Nigeria). Cast brass.

    Wall plaque, from Oba's palace. Edo peoples, Benin (Nigeria). Cast brass.
    This work shows the king being waited on by his servants, who hold their shields above him to protect him from the sun. The figures of importance are dressed in splendid clothing while the lesser figures are scantily clothed and carrying the king's sword and a present box. The reasoning behind the crafting of these plaques is unknown but they were probably created to represent events or characters from different ceremonies.

  • Female (Pwo) mask. Chokwe peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal

    Female (Pwo) mask. Chokwe peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Wood, fiber, pigment, and metal
    The Pwo mask was used to honor founding female ancestors. Even though the mask depicts a female role model, it is created by men and worn by men. During the performance the males will wear the mask and wooden breasts to depict women in an idealized form. While they dance the women have the choice to kick out performers that don't meet their standards or that they believe aren't doing them justice.

  • Ikenga (shrine figure). Igbo peoples (Nigeria). Wood.

    Ikenga (shrine figure). Igbo peoples (Nigeria). Wood.
    Ikenga is a horned deity found among the Igbo people of Nigeria. It is one of the most popular symbols of the people. They are minly owned by wealthy men and sometimes by women of high status. The owner of this piece would regularly offer prayers and sacrifices to the deity in hopes that it would in turn give them strong hands and arms needed for hunting. Sharp horns are the most essential feature of these works.

  • Lukasa (memory board). Mbudye Society, Luba peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo).Wood, beads, and metal.

    Lukasa (memory board). Mbudye Society, Luba peoples (Democratic Republic of the Congo).Wood, beads, and metal.
    Memory boards such as these were used by experts in oral retelling of history. They would use the many beads and rivets of the board to tell the story and history of the Luba people. Luba royal history differs in that their history is passed down through oral narrative and not through written accounts. This work was not only a work or art but a way to translate language and history to future generations.