A Journey Through Africa’s Artistic Traditions

African art and craft are not just objects of beauty; they are the embodiment of cultural narratives passed down through generations. From the intricate beadwork of the Maasai to the bold masks of the Yoruba, each piece holds significance and meaning, reflecting the beliefs, values, and traditions of its creators.

1. The Vibrant Beadwork of the Maasai

The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are renowned for their stunning beadwork, which is not only a form of adornment but also a symbol of status and identity. Beadwork in Maasai culture is used to mark important life events such as marriage, childbirth, and coming-of-age ceremonies. The colors and patterns chosen in their beadwork often convey specific messages and tell stories of the wearer’s life and community.

2. The Symbolic Masks of the Yoruba

In West Africa, the Yoruba people of Nigeria have mastered the art of mask-making. These masks are more than mere decorations; they are sacred objects used in rituals and ceremonies to connect with the spiritual world. Each mask is crafted with care, often representing deities, ancestors, or mythical creatures, and is imbued with spiritual power. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of Yoruba masks make them a focal point in understanding the spiritual and cultural practices of the Yoruba people.

3. The Elegant Weaving of Kente Cloth

The Kente cloth, originating from the Ashanti and Ewe people of Ghana, is a vivid example of African textile art. Kente weaving is a highly skilled craft, where strips of silk and cotton are woven together to create patterns that are both intricate and symbolic. Each pattern and color in a Kente cloth has a specific meaning, often reflecting historical events, proverbs, and philosophical concepts. Wearing Kente is a way of expressing pride in one’s heritage and identity.

The Role of Art in African Society

Art in Africa goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it serves as a functional and integral part of everyday life. It plays a crucial role in social, political, and religious contexts, providing a medium through which communities express their values and beliefs.

1. Art as a Medium of Communication

In many African societies, art is a powerful means of communication. It is used to convey messages, educate the young, and preserve the history and traditions of the community. For instance, storytelling through rock paintings and sculptures has been a longstanding tradition, with ancient artworks found in regions like the Sahara and Southern Africa offering insights into the lives and beliefs of early African civilizations.

2. Art as a Tool for Social Cohesion

Arts and crafts are also essential in fostering social cohesion and unity. Community projects, where people come together to create large-scale artworks or engage in collective crafting activities, reinforce social bonds and promote a sense of belonging. Festivals and ceremonies, rich in artistic expressions, are occasions where communities gather to celebrate their shared heritage and cultural identity.

3. Art as a Reflection of Political and Social Change

Throughout history, African art has also been a reflection of political and social changes. From the pre-colonial era to post-independence, art has been used to comment on and critique societal developments. Contemporary African artists continue this tradition, using various mediums to address issues such as colonialism, identity, and social justice, thereby making art a powerful tool for advocacy and change.

The Global Influence of African Art

African art has had a profound influence on global art movements and continues to inspire artists around the world. The bold designs, unique techniques, and rich cultural stories behind African art have captivated the global imagination.

1. Influence on Modern Art Movements

The impact of African art on modern art movements, particularly Cubism and Surrealism, is well-documented. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse drew inspiration from African masks and sculptures, incorporating their abstract forms and symbolic meanings into their works. This cross-cultural exchange highlights the universal appeal and timeless relevance of African artistic traditions.

2. African Art in Contemporary Design

Today, African aesthetics continue to influence contemporary design and fashion. From high-end fashion runways to interior design trends, the vibrant colors, patterns, and textures of African art are celebrated for their originality and depth. Designers often collaborate with African artisans to create pieces that are both stylish and culturally significant, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economies.

3. The Rise of African Artists on the Global Stage

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of African artists on the global stage. Exhibitions, art fairs, and galleries around the world are increasingly showcasing African art, providing a platform for artists to share their work and stories with a broader audience. This rising visibility is not only a testament to the talent and creativity of African artists but also an important step towards greater cultural appreciation and understanding.

Preserving and Promoting African Arts and Crafts

As we celebrate the rich artistic heritage of Africa, it is also crucial to consider the efforts needed to preserve and promote these traditions for future generations.

1. Supporting Local Artisans

One of the most effective ways to preserve African arts and crafts is by supporting local artisans. This can be done through purchasing their works, promoting fair trade practices, and investing in initiatives that provide artisans with the resources and training they need to sustain their crafts. Supporting local artisans not only helps preserve traditional techniques but also empowers communities economically.

2. Education and Cultural Exchange

Education plays a vital role in the preservation of cultural heritage. Programs that teach young people traditional arts and crafts help keep these practices alive. Additionally, cultural exchange programs that bring African artists to international platforms foster a greater appreciation and understanding of African art, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.

3. Documenting and Archiving

Documenting and archiving African arts and crafts are essential for preserving these traditions for future generations. Museums, libraries, and digital platforms that catalog and exhibit African art contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of its cultural significance. These resources serve as valuable educational tools and ensure that the stories and skills of African artisans are not lost to time.

Future of African Arts and Crafts

As we look towards the future, the landscape of African arts and crafts is evolving, driven by innovation, technology, and a renewed sense of cultural pride. This evolution promises to bring African artistry to new heights while preserving its rich heritage.

1. Innovation and Contemporary Expressions

African artists are increasingly blending traditional techniques with contemporary styles to create innovative works that speak to both their cultural heritage and modern experiences. This fusion is evident in various art forms, from painting and sculpture to fashion and digital art. By embracing contemporary expressions, artists can reach wider audiences and ensure that African art remains relevant and dynamic.

2. Digital Platforms and Global Reach

The advent of digital technology has opened new avenues for African artists to showcase their work globally. Online galleries, social media platforms, and virtual exhibitions allow artists to reach audiences far beyond their local communities. These digital platforms not only provide visibility but also offer opportunities for artists to sell their work, collaborate with international peers, and participate in global art conversations.

3. Cultural Tourism and Economic Development

Cultural tourism is another avenue that holds great promise for the future of African arts and crafts. By promoting cultural tourism, countries can attract visitors eager to experience the rich artistic traditions of Africa firsthand. This influx of tourists can provide economic benefits to local communities, support the livelihoods of artisans, and promote the preservation of cultural heritage. Initiatives such as artisan markets, craft workshops, and cultural festivals are vital in making cultural tourism a sustainable and enriching experience for all involved.

4. Empowering the Next Generation

Empowering the next generation of African artists and artisans is crucial for the continued vitality of the continent’s artistic traditions. Educational programs that focus on traditional arts and crafts, mentorship opportunities with master artisans, and access to resources and materials are essential for nurturing young talent. By investing in the youth, we ensure that the legacy of African arts and crafts is carried forward with creativity and passion.

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The Essence of African Arts and Crafts

African arts and crafts are not just decorative items; they are embodiments of cultural identity, storytelling, and spiritual beliefs. From the vibrant Kente cloth of Ghana to the intricate beadwork of the Maasai in Kenya, each piece carries a story, a piece of history, and a fragment of the maker’s soul.

Key Elements of African Arts and Crafts:

1. Textiles: Kente cloth, Ankara fabrics, and mud cloths are just a few examples of the rich textile traditions. Each fabric is characterized by bold patterns and vibrant colors, often symbolizing social status, history, and identity.
2. Beadwork: In regions like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, beadwork is a significant form of art. Beads are used in making jewelry, decorating garments, and even in ceremonial objects.
3. Woodcarving: African woodcarving includes masks, statues, and functional items like bowls and stools. These carvings are often imbued with spiritual meanings and are used in various rituals and ceremonies.
4. Pottery: African pottery is both utilitarian and decorative. The pots, which come in various shapes and sizes, often feature intricate patterns and are used for cooking, storage, and ceremonial purposes.
5. Metalwork: From Benin bronze sculptures to Tuareg silver jewelry, metalwork in Africa showcases a high level of craftsmanship and artistry.

The Migration of Art: African Crafts in Canadian Homes

As more people move from Africa to Canada, they bring with them the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage. This migration is not just about people; it’s also about the exchange of art, culture, and traditions. African arts and crafts find new homes in Canada, adorning living spaces and influencing interior design trends.

Integrating African Art in Canadian Interiors:

1. Textiles as Statement Pieces: Incorporating African textiles into home decor can be as simple as adding a Kente cloth throw over a sofa or using Ankara fabric cushions. These textiles bring warmth, color, and a sense of history to any space.
2. Beadwork in Modern Design: Beaded jewelry and decorations can be displayed in shadow boxes or used as unique wall art. Their intricate designs add texture and visual interest to modern interiors.
3. Woodcarvings as Focal Points: African masks and statues can serve as focal points in a room. Placing a beautifully carved mask above a fireplace or in an entryway can create a striking impression.
4. Pottery for Functional Art: African pots and vases can be used as functional art pieces. Whether used for storage, as planters, or simply as decorative items, they add a rustic charm to any home.
5. Metalwork as Timeless Decor: Metal sculptures and jewelry can be integrated into contemporary decor. Their timeless appeal and craftsmanship make them versatile additions to any style.

Relocating to Canada: Embracing a New Lifestyle

Relocating to a new country is a significant life change that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. For Africans moving to Canada, the journey involves not just finding a new home but also creating a space that feels familiar and comforting amidst a new environment. Real estate platforms like HomesEh play a crucial role in this transition, offering a wide range of properties that cater to diverse needs and preferences.

Why Canada?

1. Multicultural Society: Canada is known for its multiculturalism and inclusive society. This makes it easier for newcomers to find communities where they can connect with others who share their cultural background.
2. Quality of Life: Canada consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life. With excellent healthcare, education, and a strong economy, it provides a stable and supportive environment for families and individuals.
3. Natural Beauty: From the Rocky Mountains to the coastal cities, Canada’s natural beauty is unparalleled. This scenic backdrop offers a serene and inspiring environment for those who appreciate nature.
4. Economic Opportunities: Canada’s robust economy provides numerous opportunities for career growth and entrepreneurship. This makes it an attractive destination for professionals and business owners.

Finding Your Canadian Home with HomesEh

When relocating to Canada, finding the right home is a top priority. HomesEh is a real estate platform that caters to this need by offering a comprehensive listing of properties across Canada. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in Toronto or a spacious house in Vancouver, HomesEh provides a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets.

Key Features of HomesEh:

1. Extensive Listings: HomesEh offers an extensive database of real estate properties, making it easy for users to find homes that meet their specific requirements.
2. User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s intuitive design ensures a seamless browsing experience, allowing users to filter properties based on location, price, size, and other criteria.
3. Detailed Property Information: Each listing includes detailed information about the property, including high-quality images, descriptions, and key features.
4. Expert Support: HomesEh provides expert support to guide users through the home-buying process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

The Blend of Cultures: A New Chapter in Canadian Homes

The infusion of African arts and crafts into Canadian homes symbolizes more than just decoration; it represents the blending of cultures, the sharing of traditions, and the creation of a new, enriched lifestyle. For Africans relocating to Canada, bringing pieces of their heritage into their new homes helps maintain a connection to their roots while embracing the opportunities and experiences that Canada has to offer.

Building a Community Through Art

One of the most profound impacts of integrating African arts and crafts into Canadian homes is the way it fosters a sense of community. Art has always been a universal language, transcending geographical and cultural barriers. For African immigrants, sharing their art with their new neighbors in Canada creates opportunities for connection and understanding.

Community Engagement Through Art:

1. Art Exhibitions: Organizing local exhibitions featuring African arts and crafts can bring people together, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange. These events can be held in community centers, galleries, or even within neighborhoods, inviting both African and non-African residents to appreciate and learn about the rich artistic heritage.
2. Workshops and Classes: Offering workshops on African art techniques, such as beadwork, pottery, or textile weaving, allows for hands-on learning and cultural immersion. These classes can be a way for newcomers to share their skills and for locals to gain new perspectives and appreciation for different art forms.
3. Cultural Festivals: Participating in or organizing cultural festivals that celebrate African art, music, dance, and cuisine can create vibrant community events. These festivals serve as a platform for showcasing the diversity and beauty of African culture, while also integrating it into the broader Canadian cultural landscape.
4. Collaborative Art Projects: Engaging in collaborative art projects, such as community murals or public sculptures, can symbolize unity and shared creativity. These projects can incorporate African artistic elements, creating lasting public art that represents the diverse fabric of the community.

The Economic Impact of African Arts and Crafts

Beyond cultural enrichment, the incorporation of African arts and crafts into Canadian homes and communities also has significant economic implications. The demand for unique, handcrafted items creates opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs, both locally and internationally.

Economic Benefits:

1. Support for Artisans: By purchasing African arts and crafts, Canadians can directly support artisans and their communities. This economic support can lead to sustainable livelihoods for many craftsmen and women in Africa.
2. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: For African immigrants, selling their arts and crafts in Canada can be a viable entrepreneurial venture. This not only provides a source of income but also allows them to share their culture and heritage with a wider audience.
3. Boosting Local Economies: Art fairs, markets, and festivals that feature African crafts can boost local economies by attracting visitors and promoting tourism. These events can generate revenue for local businesses and create a vibrant market for cultural goods.
4. Expanding the Art Market: The increasing popularity of African arts and crafts can also lead to a broader market for these items. Galleries, online platforms, and retail stores in Canada can offer African art, reaching customers who appreciate unique and culturally significant pieces.

Preserving Heritage and Promoting Sustainability

Incorporating African arts and crafts into Canadian homes is not just about aesthetics; it is also about preserving heritage and promoting sustainable practices. Many African art forms are rooted in sustainable traditions, using natural materials and techniques passed down through generations.

Sustainable Practices in African Art:

1. Use of Natural Materials: African artisans often use locally sourced, natural materials such as wood, clay, beads, and fabrics. This promotes sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of production.
2. Handcrafted Techniques: The emphasis on handcrafted items over mass-produced goods supports sustainable practices. Handcrafting typically has a lower carbon footprint and fosters the continuation of traditional skills and knowledge.
3. Recycling and Upcycling: Many African crafts involve the recycling and upcycling of materials. For example, discarded metal and glass can be transformed into beautiful jewelry or decor items. This approach not only reduces waste but also showcases creativity and resourcefulness.
4. Cultural Preservation: By integrating African art into their homes, Canadians help preserve and promote cultural heritage. This appreciation and demand ensure that traditional art forms and techniques continue to be valued and practiced.

A New Beginning: African Art in Canadian Real Estate

The journey from Africa to Canada, facilitated by platforms like HomesEh, is more than just a physical relocation. It is an opportunity to create a new beginning, where homes are filled with stories, traditions, and artistic expressions that bridge continents and cultures.

As African arts and crafts become an integral part of Canadian interiors, they symbolize a harmonious blend of histories and identities. Each piece, whether a vibrant textile, a meticulously crafted beadwork, or a striking woodcarving, carries with it a legacy of craftsmanship and cultural significance.

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Cultural diversity

Africa is a continent with a rich history and many cultures. African art reflects this diversity through a wide range of styles, techniques, and materials. Each region has its own traditions, which are reflected in the art – from ceramics and textiles to wooden sculptures and fine crafts.

Symbolism and Religion

African art often has a deep symbolic meaning associated with religious, mythological and spiritual beliefs. Sculptures, masks, images, and various ritual objects often reflect or reflect religious and mythological images that are important to the community.

Expressiveness and Energy

African art has always been known for its expressiveness and dynamism. From rhythmic dances to dynamic lines and shapes in sculpture, African art has an inherent energy that can captivate the viewer.

Use of Natural Materials

The richness of Africa’s natural resources is reflected in the continent’s art. From wood to stone, clay to bamboo, African artists use natural materials to create their masterpieces, giving them a special character and authenticity.

Heritage and Modernity

African art has a huge influence on the contemporary art scene. Contemporary African artists combine traditional techniques with modern trends to create unique and innovative works that continue the rich heritage of African art.

In general, African art is fascinating for its multilayered nature, depth of symbolism, and expressive energy. It is not only a source of aesthetic pleasure, but also a window into the cultural heritage and spirituality of this unique continent.

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The art of the peoples of East Africa and northern Sudan, the regions where Islam was spread, has a different character. Its influence influenced the development of artistic culture, which almost did not include sculpture and painting. A special, local, Bantu-Indo-Arabic culture developed here, connected with Iran, India, and the medieval Arab world. However, both in the northern part of Sudan and on the east coast, the artistic creativity of the local African population was embodied mainly in folk architecture and wood carvings.

Monuments of ancient African art were also discovered in South Africa. For example, in the Matopo Mountains in southern Rhodesia, in the 1920s, rock paintings of mythological content, scenes of agricultural and domestic rituals were found. Undoubtedly, these monuments were created by peoples of high culture who were already familiar with agriculture.

Numerous paintings and drawings have been discovered in the extreme south of the African continent, in the Dragon Mountains, and in the mountainous regions of Southwest Africa. The style, subjects, and nature of the images are very different, so it is likely that the rock paintings of South Africa belong to different eras and are monuments to the artistic creativity of different peoples.

Africa is considered the cradle of body art (the art of decorating the naked body). The artistic culture of its peoples has preserved many artistic traditions of primitive society. Therefore, inauthentic art forms associated with the ancient African beliefs about the beauty of the human body have become extremely popular on the Black continent. Tattoos, piercings, body paintings, and changes in the natural proportions of the human body are still widespread in the culture of African tribes.

Both men and women decorated their bodies for decorative purposes and to show their social status (for example, women had tattoos that could determine their marital status, and men’s tattoos showed hunting skills or military victories). Also, for ritual purposes, cuts were made on the body and face in the form of sacred symbols, rubbing a mixture of ash and saltpeter into the wound. After the wounds healed, rough scars formed on the skin.

Piercing various parts of the body was practiced as early as several millennia BC. Africans wore all kinds of metal earrings that were inserted into their ears, eyebrows, lips, and nose. In general, African tribes are the only social environment where a positive attitude towards piercings has remained unchanged for several decades.

The lands to the west of Egypt were historically called the Maghreb. In Arabic, Maghreb means “the country where the sun sets” or “the west”. Sometimes only the country of Morocco was called the Maghreb. In the VII-VIII centuries, the countries of North Africa-Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco-were part of the Arab Caliphate. The art of these nations was called “Maghrebi” or “Moorish”.

The history of the terms “Moors” and “Moorish”, derived from the Greek word for “dark”, dates back to the ancient era, when the Moors were the indigenous Berber population of the ancient state of Mauritania, located in the northwestern part of Africa.

The first significant monuments of Arabo-Berber architecture were created in North Africa in the late VII century. Among them, the most prominent is the majestic Sidioukba Mosque in Kairouan (Tunisia), founded as the cathedral mosque of the city, which was considered “an excessively dry city of Islam.”

Its modern appearance was finally formed by the end of the ninth century. The appearance of the Kairouan mosque is characterized by the features of fortification architecture: the building is surrounded by blank massive walls, fortified with buttresses, with a minaret in the form of a tall and powerful square tower. The main compositional core, a huge courtyard, is surrounded by marble and granite columns supporting horseshoe-shaped arches.

Very little is known about medieval painting in North Africa. Ancient manuscripts have been preserved, decorated with exquisite geometric ornaments, the colors of which are dominated by gold and intense blue.

Applied arts, called “Spanish-Moorish”, reached a high level of perfection. Craft workshops produced brocade, expensive silk fabrics, ivory, earthenware, and beautifully decorated weapons. During the early Middle Ages, European countries received precious fabrics almost exclusively from the Arab countries of North Africa and the Middle East, as well as from Sicily and Moorish Spain.

The earliest products of Spanish-Moorish ceramics date back to the second half of the 14th century. These are the so-called Alhambra vases. Among them, the most perfect is the Fortuna vase.

The medieval Maghreb and Arab Spain were among the bridges that connected the spiritual life of the East and the West. Arab culture left a deep mark on Spanish life and culture. The traditions of Moorish art in architecture, ceramics, and other branches of artistic crafts were especially strong.

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Honoring the fruits of nature, Africans centered their artistic styles around images of flora and fauna, as well as natural motifs.

But everything flows, everything changes, and new themes and new materials came to African art. And although artists were inspired by human forms, they also discovered many new styles outside the norms of traditional African art, such as contemporary painting and beautiful handmade fabrics.

So, let’s get acquainted with the diverse styles of this mysterious continent, starting with the earliest sculptures of the Nok civilization and ending with the excellent bronze casting of East Africa.

In the early Iron Age, the Nok civilization of eastern Nigeria created impressive terracotta sculptures that often depicted abstract figures of ancient people and animals, like tombstones or magical amulets.

Although almost nothing is known about the Nok culture, during excavations, archaeologists have found many clay figurines created about 2 thousand years ago. The stylized heads, decorated with intricate jewelry, barely survived the long years of the destructive effects of water, and now allow us to see the life of this early civilization.

Even today, sculpture is a very common art form in Africa. Historically, it was made from wood and other organic materials collected by artists.

West Africans, however, later contributed to the influx of bronze casting to the region, as it was used to decorate the palaces of rulers and much more.

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Each color symbolized a certain quality or attribute characteristic of their culture. Black and white kente cloths, for example, were worn, as a rule, during funerals, by the Ewe and Ashanti peoples.

Weaving was not forbidden to anyone: both men and women learned to weave from an early age. Artists dyed their fabrics with locally produced dyes that allowed them to obtain very beautiful shades of brown, yellow, red and indigo.

Although westernization has largely contributed to the decline of the art of weaving, it still holds a prominent place in African society. Many believe that it embodies the history of the continent, “written on fabric”.

Bright colors and abstract shapes define African art styles. And although there are still many unanswered questions in its history, the enormous diversity of its cultures and influences has become a worthy legacy in world art. I hope you will continue to explore this fascinating period of time on your own.

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In the rainforests, where dwellings were made of wood, the walls and ceiling were covered with mats with complex geometric woven ornaments. In the steppes, clay buildings prevail, and they are decorated with various painted projections, jambs, cornices, and sometimes with various pillars, vultures, etc.

If we turn to the sculpture itself, it is divided into three main genre groups. The first group includes images of spirits, ancestors, or certain historical figures, and for tribes with developed mythology, gods. The second group includes masks used in the rites of initiation of young men and women into the tribe. This group also includes shaman masks, dance masks, and masks of secret unions. The third group consists of sculptural carvings.

The art of wood carving, mats ornamentation, and beaded embroidery is widespread among all the peoples of Tropical Africa, both West, East, and South.

Music. One of the features of African musical styles is their question-and-answer nature, which is complemented by forced polyrhythmics. (The simultaneous sound of different rhythms that merge into a single complex whole). And every musician, dancer, or listener has their own place. The song genre in African music is a situation where the soloist and the choir repeat sentences. The chorus often consists of the audience. Thus, the performance of music in African culture and its perception is a form of communication. The goal is to attract as many people as possible to a musical event.

Unlike in Europe, music in Africa is an integral part of social life. Now even protests resemble carnivals.

Music promotes interaction between people and gives them a place in the community.

A characteristic feature of music is drums. Each tribe has its own drums, and each has its own “language”. There are almost as many “languages” of talking drums as there are language dialects (and there are more than 2000 of them in Africa). Each drum has its own rhythm, creating its own musical style.

The main feature of African culture and thinking in general is a focus on the past. But this past is not frozen, but is constantly present in the present. (Perhaps that is why it is so difficult for Africans to build a modern democratic society without past customs and traditions)

The artist focuses on the human figure. The head is the main element, and the body only indicates gender and tattoos.

The main thing in art is an action, an action (dance, ritual), so art objects are “moving” (a mask, during a ceremony).

African art exists for everyday life, protecting from the evil eye or other forces, evil or good (amulets, fetishes).

In Africa, works of art are an integral part of beliefs and belong to the entire community. For example, African bambara masks are masks with calm faces and closed eyes. They depicted deceased relatives and were used in funeral rites or on holidays. Frightening masks, where human features are combined with those of an animal. They were worn by members of secret societies African statuettes, most of them depicting the dead, or an animal totem, such as the antelope statuette of the Bamana people in Mali.
And finally, the general characteristics of African art are: strong, dramatic expressionism, lack of naturalism and sharp, angular forms. The African artist sculpts free and independent masses and obtains the symbol of a human being. All this is nothing more than stylization, which Europeans realized only in the art of the twentieth century.

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Decorative and applied art has always closely interacted with various spheres of human economic activity, in which manual labor is used, including pottery and carpentry, clothing and footwear, metal and leather processing. In different corners of the Earth, peculiar folk crafts based on unique techniques of processing available materials were gradually formed and perfected over many years. The development of crafts was greatly influenced by cultural, religious, social and climatic peculiarities of each region.

Throughout the history of mankind, arts and crafts have developed autonomously in different regions of our planet. Moreover, each nation strove to keep the secrets of its masters secret. The Chinese carefully guarded from foreigners the technology of porcelain production, the Arabs – the art of metal stamping, Venetian masters – the secrets of Murano glass production.

Only in the era of the industrial revolution in the middle of the 19th century did the situation change dramatically. New materials appeared, books describing cultural values and knowledge of different peoples became available to the masses, industrial production, including arts and crafts, reached a huge scale. A significant part of the secrets of ancient masters became publicly available, which provided a huge number of creative people wide opportunities for self-realization.

Nowadays arts and crafts are experiencing a true heyday. In the era of the Internet, anyone can easily master the ancient technique of intarsia, chasing or art painting, using the resources of specialized forums and visual video tutorials masters. This situation undoubtedly contributes to further popularization, development and preservation of most types of arts and crafts for posterity.

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The Arab scientist Abu-l-Fida (thirteenth century) made the first astronomical determinations of the geographical location of Africa, Ibn Batuta reached the shores of Zanzibar via Sudan in his travels (fourteenth century), and the African Lion traveled to Africa in the fourteenth century.

As a result of the Roman campaigns, the western shores of Africa were discovered, and the true outlines of this region were clearly outlined with the discovery of the Cape Verde (1416) and the Gulf of Guinea (1471) by the Portuguese. In 1498, Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope and headed for India.

Following the Portuguese, the Dutch, English, and Danes began to discover the coastline and territory of Africa.

In 1788, the African Society was founded in London to explore Africa. Five years later, similar societies were formed in Germany, then in Belgium, Italy, and Malta.

African art is understood as the art of tribes and nationalities of Tropical (Black) Africa. Until the 19th century, this art was viewed from the point of view of ethnic value and was classified as “naive” (“primitive”) art.

The wave of avant-garde art in the 20s of the twentieth century brought a new perspective on cult sculpture.

Since then, African art has been perceived exclusively from an aesthetic point of view.

Before the discovery of Africa, its peoples developed in isolation. However, the local primitive cultures (the first stage of cultural development, the early period of art evolution) testify to the diversity and richness of the artistic abilities of the population. Living in huts, their inhabitants imaginatively made everything necessary for the home, such as furniture, which attracts attention with its craftsmanship. Made of wood, these products demonstrate the developed sense of form in their creators (they impress not only with their decorative design but also with their comfort). The supports of furniture for sitting were usually made in the form of human or animal figures.

Tables, chests and other objects are richly ornamented. Unfortunately, the name of the artist almost always remained unknown. However, several names have come down to us. Among them is Sultan Njoya, the creator of writing and patron of the arts. The masks and furniture created at his court were known throughout Africa, and their creators often became leaders in their villages.

North Africa is of particular interest for the development of art in this region: Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco (Maghreb countries), and Libya. Neither Greece nor Italy have Roman cities that are as well preserved as Lepti-Magna and Sabratha in Libya, Douga in Tunisia, and Timgad in Azhir. The magnificent works of art found during the excavations – mosaic statues – adorn the museums of the capitals of these countries.

The true capital of North Africa, Carthage sought to resemble Rome in everything. That is why its theater, amphitheater, and circus were huge monumental structures decorated with columns and statues. It was in the theater of Carthage that Apuleius, a famous writer of the second century, delivered his speeches.

Gladiatorial fights took place in the amphitheater, and horse races on chariots and on horseback took place in the circus. The circus was built on the slopes of a hill, where seats for spectators were arranged. The racetrack had the shape of an elongated rectangular field.

In Carthage, there was also an odeon, an indoor space for musical performances and competitions. Its walls were lined with colorful marble, and statues stood in niches.

In the center of Carthage and other cities of North Africa, there was a forum, a square for citizens to gather. The forum was surrounded by columns. The Capitol, the upper temple, which was located on the highest point in the city, was obligatory.

The cities were decorated with arches that were built in honor of some important event or deity, emperor or noble person.

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Various geometric signs, drawings, and ornamental compositions on the walls of dwellings, household items, and fabrics have magical (protective) and aesthetic (decorative) significance. A defining characteristic of the traditional religious consciousness of African peoples is the religious and mythological picture of the world. It takes on specific features in different ethnic groups, but it has in common the idea of the interaction of supernatural and natural forces, their mutual transformation.

The world of the supernatural includes the main deity who generates (or from whom the world arises), minor deities (spirits) of water, forests, land, and ancestors, whose souls act as intermediaries between deities and people; ancestors play a special role, because they combine the properties of two worlds – the natural and the supernatural: the dead are members of a certain community of people, beings of another dimension, belonging to which makes them capable of influencing the fate of living people. That is why ancestor worship plays a central role in traditional African religions.

Traditional beliefs are closely linked to rituals and initiations, which represent the ritual and symbolic side of African ethnic life. Different rites correspond to important events and stages of human life. Thanks to these rites, personal characteristics acquire social significance and are included in the orbit of social relations. These rituals accompany births, manhood, entering the age of marriage, marriage itself, childbirth, old age, and, ultimately, death of an African. A special role is played by the rites of initiation into secret unions, which are still preserved among many African peoples. The task of these unions is to guide all aspects of the life and activities of the members of the communities where they originated. The secret unions resolved issues of war and peace, carried out diplomatic missions, organized a kind of education system, supervised compliance with traditional morality, and performed the functions of judicial bodies, and practiced traditional religion. The main purpose of these unions was to raise useful members of the tribe.

The central figure in the ceremonies of secret unions was the mask. No ritual was performed without its participation. As a rule, each secret union has one main mask, a symbol of power and authority. This mask protected the community members from disaster and misfortune. When girls are initiated, this mask teaches them ritual dances, housekeeping, and everything else they need in life. In the Poro men’s secret union, a mask that imitates an animal’s head is called a gbel-la.

The mask was primarily used during initiation ceremonies and was kept in a ritual bush located in a place well hidden from view, on a kind of altar. The mask and all cult and ceremonial objects are regarded as shrines, as relics. A head mask could be seen only a few times in a lifetime.

Masks were made of a special kind of wood, painted in colors that corresponded to their character, and eventually restored or replaced. In addition to masks associated with initiation rites, there are also seer masks, masks of peace, war, justice, danger, luck, hunting, harvest, competition, fire, new year, singers’ masks, and others. The colors of the masks vary. For example, the Wobe craftsmen of the Ivory Coast use black, red, blue, green, and white. Black represents power and physical strength, while red represents power and strength. The seer mask helps to find out the truth. It can only be worn by healers and wise elders. The kuan mask is used in the fight against evil sorcerers, and only old people are allowed to see it. The war mask and its costume, made of raffia, are red. It is an image of spilled blood and a sign of readiness to shed the blood of enemies.

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