African Art with Meaning

Ever wondered about the stories behind some of those intricate masks or colorful textiles from Africa? There’s meaning in every curve, every pattern. African art is rich in symbolism, capturing beliefs, values, and history. In many African cultures, art plays an important role in rituals, ceremonies, and daily life. The next time you see an African artwork, look closely. There are layers of significance in the materials, colors, and forms. You’ll gain insight into a culture and its people.

The Rich History of African Art

African art has a rich history spanning thousands of years. Early art originated with the Nok culture of Nigeria, dating back to 500 BC. The Nok were skilled ironworkers and sculpted life-sized human figures from terracotta.

Woodcarving

Woodcarving is an important tradition. The Dan people of Liberia are renowned for masks with elongated faces and geometric patterns. The Yoruba of Nigeria carve twin figures called “ibeji” to honor deceased twins.

Textiles

The vibrant colors and patterns of African textiles communicate cultural values. Kente cloth from Ghana and mud cloth from Mali are prized for their beauty and symbolic meaning. Beadwork is also culturally significant. The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania are famous for their intricate beadwork in bold colors. Beads are used in jewelry, clothing, and ceremonial attire.

Bronze Casting

The lost-wax method of bronze casting developed in West Africa around the 9th century. The Kingdom of Benin (in modern-day Nigeria) produced highly detailed bronze sculptures and relief plaques. Bronze heads from the Yoruba depict the diversity of hairstyles and scarification rituals. From the earliest known terracotta sculptures to colorful textiles and bronze castings, African art represents a dynamic cultural heritage. These art forms have inspired renowned Western artists like Picasso, who incorporated African esthetics into modern art. Understanding African art provides insight into the depth, diversity, and richness of African cultures.

Prominent Contemporary African Artists to Know

Some of the most influential contemporary African artists are creating meaningful work that provides social commentary on issues affecting the continent.

El Anatsui

The Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui creates stunning works from discarded bottle caps and copper wire that explore themes of globalization, waste, and the environment. His massive, metallic tapestries have been displayed in major museums around the world.

Wangechi Mutu

Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu combines collage, sculpture, and video to create provocative pieces addressing politics, gender, and identity. Her work is characterized by a hybridity of styles and media meant to subvert stereotypical representations of women's bodies, especially black women's bodies.

Yinka Shonibare

The Nigerian-British artist Yinka Shonibare is known for his exploration of cultural identity and post-colonialism. He uses colorful wax-printed cotton fabrics to examine themes of migration, globalization, and class. His whimsical, yet poignant sculptures and installations have been featured in the Tate Modern and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art.

Njideka Akunyili Crosby

The Nigerian painter Njideka Akunyili Crosby creates colorful portraits that blend Western and African esthetic influences. Her richly patterned, mixed media works explore themes of cultural hybridity and the immigrant experience. In 2017, she became the first black woman to be commissioned by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Her art provides a glimpse into the complexity of the contemporary African experience through a female lens. With their powerful and personal work, these renowned artists are shaping the global conversation on what it means to be African today. Their creative visions inspire us to see the world in new ways and to consider important issues that transcend borders.

The Meaning and Symbolism Behind African Art

African art is deeply symbolic, with layers of meaning that provide insight into cultural beliefs and values. Many pieces of African art were created to serve a purpose beyond decoration.

Symbols of Life and Fertility

Themes of life, fertility, and continuity are common in African art. Stylized female figures, like the famed Venus of Willendorf, represent fertility and new life. Images of pregnant women also symbolize fertility and the continuity of a community. Agriculture is vital to many African communities, so art often depicts plant and food motifs. Gourds, which are useful for carrying and storing, represent sustenance and the harvest. Animals like birds, snakes, turtles, and lizards also frequently appear in African art. Birds and snakes, in particular, symbolize longevity, rebirth, and renewal. Their ability to shed their skins and fly away gives them a mystical quality.

Spirituality and Religion

Much of African art has spiritual or religious significance. Masks, in particular, are used in ritual ceremonies to represent ancestral or nature spirits. The stylized features of the masks are meant to convey a spiritual rather than a naturalistic form. Statues of deities, spirits, and ancestors provide a way to show reverence and connect with spiritual forces. They are not intended as decorations but as devotional objects to be honored. Geometric shapes, like circles, triangles, and squares, often represent harmony, continuity, and eternity. Repeated patterns and symmetry also have symbolic meaning, representing unity, community, and infinity. The meaning behind any particular work of African art depends on the specific culture and artist. But in general, African art aims to capture beliefs about life, nature, spirituality, and humankind's place in the universe. Appreciating the symbolism and purpose behind the art leads to a deeper understanding of African cultural heritage.

Where to View and Purchase African Artwork

When it comes to experiencing and purchasing authentic African art, there are several options to consider.

Galleries

African art galleries are a great place to view and buy original pieces. Major cities often have galleries dedicated specifically to African art, featuring wood carvings, textiles, pottery, and more from all regions of Africa. Pieces in galleries are usually curated by experts and provide the opportunity to learn about the cultural significance and origin of each work. However, gallery prices can be quite high, as they have to account for overhead costs.

Auctions

African art auctions, whether live or online, frequently have a wide range of works available for bidding. Prices are often lower than galleries, especially if you can find auctions that are less well-known. Do some research on the types of pieces you’re interested in so you have a price range in mind before bidding. Auctions do come with a risk of forgeries, so buy from reputable sellers that provide authentication and provenance for items.

Dealers

African art dealers source items directly from Africa and sell to collectors and the public. They have close connections with local artists and craftspeople, so the art tends to be very authentic. Prices may be lower than at galleries. However, you typically have to buy sight unseen and have the item shipped, so you must rely heavily on the dealer’s expertise and descriptions. Only buy from dealers that have a solid reputation and guarantee the quality and origin of their goods.

Traveling to Africa

For the ultimate experience, travel to Africa and purchase art directly from the source. Not only will you find the best prices, but you’ll gain valuable cultural insight and context about the art forms and styles of each region. Shop at local craft markets to buy from artisans themselves, but be prepared to bargain. If traveling with a tour group, they may also arrange shopping excursions to vetted dealers and galleries. Just be sure to follow all laws regarding exporting art from each country. With so many avenues for finding African art, you can choose the option that best fits your goals and budget. Do some research to determine what kinds of pieces speak to you, learn how to spot quality and authenticity, and you’ll be well on your way to starting an art collection with deep cultural meaning.

Dolapo Obat Gallery: Showcasing Emerging African Artists

The Dolapo Obat Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria is dedicated to showcasing emerging contemporary African artists. Dolapo Obat, the gallery’s founder, is passionate about promoting talented up-and-coming artists from across the continent.

A Platform for New Voices

The Dolapo Obat Gallery provides a platform for new voices in African art to share their work with a wider audience. Many of the artists featured at the gallery have never shown their art publicly before. Dolapo Obat discovers these new talents through open calls for art on social media and by visiting art schools across Nigeria. She is always on the lookout for the next generation of influential African artists. At the gallery, you’ll find a variety of artworks from painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media pieces. The art tends to be very conceptual, addressing issues like identity, politics, culture clashes, and the human experience. The gallery’s exhibits change frequently to continuously introduce new artists and new forms of artistic expression.

An Inspiring Mission

Dolapo Obat is on a mission to reshape perceptions of African art. She wants to challenge the idea that African art is primarily traditional or tribal. The gallery showcases how contemporary African art is innovative, socially-engaged, and globally relevant. The Dolapo Obat Gallery’s inspiring mission and commitment to promoting emerging talent make it a pivotal institution for new African art. By giving these artists an opportunity to debut their work, the gallery is helping to launch careers and shape the future of the continent’s contemporary art scene. A visit to the Dolapo Obat Gallery offers a glimpse into the next generation of influential African artists.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a glimpse into the world of meaningful African art. Art that tells stories, preserves history, and brings communities together. Now that you know some of the symbols and meanings behind different tribal art forms, you can appreciate these works on a deeper level. When you see an African mask or sculpture, look for the details that reveal insights into cultural beliefs and daily life. Pay attention to colors, animals, and geometric shapes which often have specific symbolic significance. Understanding the meaning and purpose behind the art helps us understand the people and values of different African tribes. Instead of seeing these pieces as merely exotic artifacts, you can view them as a vital and vibrant part of Africa's cultural heritage. A he