The wonderful thing about African Art is that it can be made out of a number of materials. From clay, stone, metal, ivory and wood. Wood sculptures are found mostly in West Africa, Central Africa and East Africa. South of the Sahara, wood is the natural material for carving. Examples of earlier 19th century work have been preserved largely by the efforts of collectors. But earlier work has been eaten by ants, termites, rotted by damp or crumbled irretrievably.
Having long bodies, square shapes and facial features that represent an ideal rather than a human being, some sculptures are made solely by the sculptors imagination. Sculptures are used for various reasons. Whether it be used for religious rituals or other traditional ceremonies. Sculptures made by the Mende people of Sierra Leone are made of wood and have surfaces that are flat and broad with round arms and legs. Sculptures that represent political power and culture were generally made by the Mossai people of Burkina Faso. Traditionally, communication is visual rather than verbal in Africa. Objects are often made with specific purpose or even a specific person in mind. They also communicate a great deal about the maker or the user of the object. Although most art is used or recognized daily, a mask carved from wood used by a shaman, may only be used once a year for a special dance.
Yoruba of Western Nigeria contributed much to the rich tradition of figurative sculpture in Africa. The Yombe uses power figures as reminders of social obligations and enforcers of proper behavior. Tribal carvings are done for a clear and practical purpose. A figure may represent an ancestor, destined to stand on a shire. Main characteristics of sculptures made in Central Africa include heart-shaped faces with circles and dots. Full size standing figures that are generally used for as guardians of the relics of the ancestors of the Fang people from Gabon. These figures were usually made by accomplished craftspeople who paid attention to the fine details.
Although we see the masterpieces of art created by such gifted sculptors, the reality is, African tribal sculptors may view their work as just part of everyday life.
Having long bodies, square shapes and facial features that represent an ideal rather than a human being, some sculptures are made solely by the sculptors imagination. Sculptures are used for various reasons. Whether it be used for religious rituals or other traditional ceremonies. Sculptures made by the Mende people of Sierra Leone are made of wood and have surfaces that are flat and broad with round arms and legs. Sculptures that represent political power and culture were generally made by the Mossai people of Burkina Faso. Traditionally, communication is visual rather than verbal in Africa. Objects are often made with specific purpose or even a specific person in mind. They also communicate a great deal about the maker or the user of the object. Although most art is used or recognized daily, a mask carved from wood used by a shaman, may only be used once a year for a special dance.
Yoruba of Western Nigeria contributed much to the rich tradition of figurative sculpture in Africa. The Yombe uses power figures as reminders of social obligations and enforcers of proper behavior. Tribal carvings are done for a clear and practical purpose. A figure may represent an ancestor, destined to stand on a shire. Main characteristics of sculptures made in Central Africa include heart-shaped faces with circles and dots. Full size standing figures that are generally used for as guardians of the relics of the ancestors of the Fang people from Gabon. These figures were usually made by accomplished craftspeople who paid attention to the fine details.
Although we see the masterpieces of art created by such gifted sculptors, the reality is, African tribal sculptors may view their work as just part of everyday life.