Visual Arts of West Africa
By: Sydney
Introduction:
The West African culture had many types of art. Some art was used to call upon spirits, ancestors or royalty. Some art, like sculptures and masks, were used during rituals and ceremonies. Other objects such as fabrics and baskets were used almost everyday. Many of these traditions still live on today in West Africa.
Masks:
West Africans made lots of different types masks. Masks have been a part of the African Medieval culture for many centuries. Masks were worn in many places during ceremonies and performances. They were said to bring spirits, gods and ancestors back into their times. West African masks were detailed and expressive, too. They have inspired many amazing artists around the world which include Pablo Picasso. There are still many masks that can be found through West Africa.
Sculpture:
West Africans in the Medieval Era made many types sculptures. They made religious sculptures to come in contact with spirits, and they made sculptures to honor their leaders. In Nok, archaeologists have found terra-cotta sculptures of human figures. These sculptures usually had long narrow heads, dramatic expressions and unusual hair styles. Scholars have a suspicion that these sculptures may have represented ancestors or mythical figures. West African sculptures in the Medieval Era helped honor others.
Textiles:
West Africans have a long history of making textiles. Textiles were both beautiful and symbolic. The most common types of textiles were, Stamped Fabrics, Story Fabrics and Kente Cloth (the most recognized one). The people of West Africa made Stamped Fabrics by drawing a
grid of squares on a piece of cloth using thick dye. Then they used stamps to fill in the patterns. The patterns usually represented proverbs, historical figures, objects, plants or animals. Story Fabrics retell events. They sometimes used a technique called Applique. In order for West Africans to perform Applique they designed smaller pieces and attached them to the background. In order for West Africans to perform Kente Cloth they sew together narrow strips of silk and other fabrics. Kente Cloth represents the makers of history, values, beliefs or
political circumstances. The influence of textiles can still be found in quilts.
Everyday Objects:
West African visual arts also include everyday objects. Skilled african artists have the ability to transform practical objects into beautiful art. Some examples are ceramic pieces of art which can tell stories. They can also transform utensils, furniture and baskets. Many artists around West Africa can make baskets so tightly coiled that they can hold water. Enslaved West Africans spread basket making to america. This type of art is still found practiced in America.
The West African culture had many types of art. Some art was used to call upon spirits, ancestors or royalty. Some art, like sculptures and masks, were used during rituals and ceremonies. Other objects such as fabrics and baskets were used almost everyday. Many of these traditions still live on today in West Africa.
Masks:
West Africans made lots of different types masks. Masks have been a part of the African Medieval culture for many centuries. Masks were worn in many places during ceremonies and performances. They were said to bring spirits, gods and ancestors back into their times. West African masks were detailed and expressive, too. They have inspired many amazing artists around the world which include Pablo Picasso. There are still many masks that can be found through West Africa.
Sculpture:
West Africans in the Medieval Era made many types sculptures. They made religious sculptures to come in contact with spirits, and they made sculptures to honor their leaders. In Nok, archaeologists have found terra-cotta sculptures of human figures. These sculptures usually had long narrow heads, dramatic expressions and unusual hair styles. Scholars have a suspicion that these sculptures may have represented ancestors or mythical figures. West African sculptures in the Medieval Era helped honor others.
Textiles:
West Africans have a long history of making textiles. Textiles were both beautiful and symbolic. The most common types of textiles were, Stamped Fabrics, Story Fabrics and Kente Cloth (the most recognized one). The people of West Africa made Stamped Fabrics by drawing a
grid of squares on a piece of cloth using thick dye. Then they used stamps to fill in the patterns. The patterns usually represented proverbs, historical figures, objects, plants or animals. Story Fabrics retell events. They sometimes used a technique called Applique. In order for West Africans to perform Applique they designed smaller pieces and attached them to the background. In order for West Africans to perform Kente Cloth they sew together narrow strips of silk and other fabrics. Kente Cloth represents the makers of history, values, beliefs or
political circumstances. The influence of textiles can still be found in quilts.
Everyday Objects:
West African visual arts also include everyday objects. Skilled african artists have the ability to transform practical objects into beautiful art. Some examples are ceramic pieces of art which can tell stories. They can also transform utensils, furniture and baskets. Many artists around West Africa can make baskets so tightly coiled that they can hold water. Enslaved West Africans spread basket making to america. This type of art is still found practiced in America.