The Traditional Art of Africa

The traditional art of Africa plays a major part in the

African society. Most ceremonies and activities (such as singing,

dancing, storytelling, ect.) can not function without visual art. It

can also be used as an implement and insignia of rank or prestige, or

have a religious significance.African art consists mainly of

sculptures, paintings, fetishes, masks, figures, and decorative

objects.

Sculptures are considered to be the greatest achievement for

African art. A majority of the sculptures are done in wood but are

also made of metal, stone, terra-cotta, mud, beadwork, ivory, and

other materials. It is found in many parts of Africa but mainly in

western and central Africa. Many ancient rock paintings have been

found in Southern and Eastern Africa. These paintings are believed to

be attributed to the SAN (Bushman) people. Masks and fetishes are

often used to scare off bad things such as evil spirits, witches or

ghosts. They are also used to bring about a desired end-break a bad

habit, improve ones love life, or kill a natural or supernatural

enemy.

There are three basic themes of African art. The first is the

dualism between bush and village. African tribes wear masks and

headresses: the male is represented by the elephant, the most powerful

of bush creatures and the female is delicately coiffed to express

refinement and civilization. The second theme of African art is the

problematic relationships between the sexes.African tribes use art as

a therapeutic device to deal with the problems and issues dealing with

the relations between the sexes. The third theme is the struggle to