AFRICA1000 AD THROUGH 2010

The Tribal Culture of Africa Art History

Africa: Interesting Facts

Africa is the second largest of the earth’s seven continents and makes up approximately 22% of the earth’s total land area.

Africa has been said

to be “The Cradle of Humankind.”

The oldest fossils of humankind’s ancestors have been found in Africa!

The Symbolic Power of ANIMALS in Africa… Who is the KING OF THE JUNGLE?

In Africa, the elephant and leopard are exclusive symbols of royalty!

The Elephant

The elephant mask is won by a secret society whose members are all men. The members gain entrance by paying a fee to the chief who owns the society.

The Leopard Dance

During the annual Dance of the Leopard, the new wife has to be unveiled. In a suspenseful, heart-pounding scene, the "bride" is unveiled.

Even Fish!

In Tunisia, images of fish are often used to protect against evil. New buildings often have fish bones or tails embedded in them as they are built, and cars have brightly colored plastic or cloth fish attached to them to provide protection to the people inside…

Female symbols in African Art

Female bodies can be seen in many African artifacts. This is a symbol of FERTILITY and LIFE.

“Without the Queen Mother

I could not Rule.”

Fertility Symbol: The Rhythm Pounder

Fertile Earth and Mother-Ceremonial Artifact

Spiritual Connection

The Dance! What is needed:

1. Costumes, Masks, Headdresses

2. Instruments (Drum)

3. THE MOVEMENT ITSELF is also ART!Stop here and watch

dancers

Decorative ArtModern

(belated Black History Month CELEBRATION!)

Feature Artist: Ernie Barnes!

Have you heard of Ernie Barnes?

Barnes: The Metamorphisisof Rocky

“I took a special interest in this piece because I believe in the ideals of Rocky. It reveals a person’s willingness to suffer for his art.” (watch GT video)