African Art (saylor.org)

This course will introduce you to the art and architecture of Africa from a Western art historical perspective. This Western perspective is influenced by developments in modern European art, which have claimed African art as an inspiration for more “primitive,” intuitive art forms. Note that the visual arts, as traditionally performed and held in various African societies, are largely incongruent with Western artistic values. For example, most traditional African art was not meant to be displayed, but rather viewed when in use and in motion, especially in mixed-media masquerades. Meanwhile, body adornment and textiles have long been important forms of visual communication and expression in Africa, whereas painting, common in Western art, is not a historically prevalent practice in many African regions. These cultural gaps cannot be overcome, but this course will try to recognize and consider them in examining and appreciating specific objects.

The objects, images, and sites featured in this course represent a small cross-section of the diverse ethnic and artistic heritage in Africa. This course will emphasize the role of art as manifested in the lifestyles, spiritualities, and philosophies of particular African societies, while also broaching aesthetic principles and the study and display of African art.

Viewing original works in person is important for any study of art. Public museums throughout the West display examples of historical African art, secured mainly during the time spanning the height of the European slave trade through the end of the colonial era and well into the 20th century. Additionally, contemporary African art has been widely collected and exhibited throughout the world in recent decades. If at all possible, you should do the self-evaluative assignment at the end of Unit 4, in which you are asked to write about at least one work, and preferably several, of African art that you have viewed in a museum or gallery. You will also encounter a number of other “homework” assignments, which should serve as learning tools, helping you absorb the material and get an idea of what specialty studies of African art history entails.

Lastly, note that as with most translated material, you will find slight variations in English transcriptions of African names across resources. Click on all images encountered in the websites below, as doing so will usually enlarge the image and reveal more detail in the artwork. Finally, be sure to take note of the data provided with the artwork reproductions, such as the size, medium (material), and place of origin.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

demonstrate an understanding of transitions in the national geography of the African continent from the 17th century to the present;

demonstrate an understanding of the ethnic diversity and distinct cultural traditions among the peoples of Africa;

identify and discuss materials and techniques employed in the creation of a range of African artistic and architectural works;

discuss the functions and meanings of a range of African art forms; and

identify traditional styles and forms strongly associated with particular cultural groups.