Common Themes in African Art
When a person views African art, several themes seem to come
up over and over again. These themes are representations of different
things that are significant to African culture; and reveal the
importance behind some of its most beautiful art. In this issue
of our newsletter, I will go through four common themes in African
art that show African culture. The common themes are:
A couple
A woman and a child
A male with a weapon or animal
An outsider or "stranger"
Couples are most commonly shown as freestanding figures of relatively
the same size and stature. They may be representative of ancestors,
a married couple, twins, or community founders. This is representative
of the importance placed on two as one. Most art of this type
was developed for shrines or for positions of ceremonial honor.
Sexual intimacy is rare in African carvings. In most African societies
it is rare for men and women to display their affection publicly.
The most common theme of the male and female couple is that of
strength and honor; not love and intimacy.
The mother and child couple is often representative of mother
earth and the people as her children. African women will generally
have a very strong desire for children as well however. The strong
desire that a woman has to bear children further shows the strong
mother child relationship that is a vital part of African culture.
A male with a weapon or animal (commonly a horse) is commonly
produced to show honor to departed ancestors. Animals are rarely
sculpted for the purpose of showing the inward or outward beauty
of the animal; but to give status to the person. Even today, many
in Africa would consider the ownership of a horse to be of greater
status than the ownership of an automobile. Showing a person with
a horse would then be giving great honor to them. Sometimes people
are shown with animals that are not really ridden; possibly even
mythical. The purpose is to show the power given to one who rides
such an animal; and the wealth that they must have.
As women achieve significance through their children, men will
often be honored in warfare. The one who goes into battle must
have physical, emotional and spiritual energy to survive and to
conquer. Thus the emphasis on weapons and the spoils of war in
many African works.
A final common representation in African art is that of the
stranger. In Africa, a stranger is someone from a different country
or tribe. They would usually not be welcomed; and the more distorted
the portrayal of the stranger, the greater the gap that is normally
symbolized. Sometimes strangers; especially white foreigners;
are given a form of respect based on their relatively great weaponry
and other powers.
As we try to understand what has historically made African
peoples what they are; we can find out much of the driving forces
within the people represented in these four common artistic themes.
This knowledge gives us a deeper appreciation for the heritage
and deeper values of much of African society. Unfortunately, much
of African art comes with no explanation of the meaning intended
to be symbolized when it was created. When the meaning can be
discerned, the deeper understanding gained and fuller appreciation
of the cultural heritage can be obtained in a more meaningful
and memorable way.
The Meaning and History
of the Cowrie Shell
The ever popular cowrie shell has many uses and meanings. It
has shown up in the form of money, jewelry, and even religious
accessories in almost every part of the world. Found in the islands
of the Indian Ocean, the cowrie shell soon gained popularity throughout
much of ancient Africa. Its influence, however, also spread to
China, where it was used as a form of currency to such an extent
that the Chinese used its shape to form their pictograph for money!
Today excavations have found some of the money of ancient China
in the form of brass and silver cowrie shells. Wherever the cowrie
shells were found, it seems as if they were thought of as wealth.
Spiritually, according to African legend if you are attracted
to cowrie shells you could be family to an ocean spirit of wealth
and earth. It also represents Goddess protection which is very
powerful and connected with the strength of the ocean. Throughout
Africa, and South and North America, the cowrie symbolized the
power of destiny and prosperity. Thought of as the mouth of Orsisas,
it also is believed to have taught stories of humility and respect.
However you interpret these tiny white shells they are a fascinating,
unique addition to your wardrobe. Whether in jewelry, or in crafts,
or in any other use you can imagine these shells are sure to add
an exotic feel of Africa and make an excellent, one of a kind,
fashion statement.
Click here - description
to order Cowrie shells perfect for jewelry & other decorating
ideas
The Meaning of Korhogo
Cloth
Korhogo Cloth always tells a story. These are meanings behind
the popular motifs.
Korhogo cloth fabric is very similar to mudcloth which is a
more familiar fabric to many people. It is produced in Ivory Coast
in West Africa; and is named after the village of Korhogo in the
northern part of Ivory Coast.
Kohogo cloth is produced by painting a design on hand spun,
hand woven, and hand painted cotton fabric. This is often done
using a stencil; and the painting is done with a specially fermented
solution that turns black after a reasonable amount of time has
passed. Korhogo cloth is used in making clothing and craft items.
But is is most popular as a truly authentic wall decoration.
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