Long before history was recorded in writing, our African ancestors expressed themselves in art. With their rock paintings or sculptures, they found a medium in which to express themselves. Nigeria offered the earliest sculptures which are dated approximately 500BCE. Many Egyptian painters outdid themselves in the tombs of the Pharaohs. The tribal kings and queens were adorned with crafted jewelery. The southern tribes depicted the abundance of life around them and transformed their habitats as such with their rich African Art.
Think of the Egyptian Pharaohs and their obsession with toms and head gear. How they used color to bring forth a message or inner beliefs. The southern tribes of Africa also played a significant role in art, depicting their everyday life on rock canvases.
This genre comprises the most prolific talent of humanity, on earth. The art is notably generalized as African Art but there are many different cultures and societies on the African continent that affords us with rich uniqueness, and an abundance of artistic themes. But, despite having a diverse art form, there are some amalgamating trends when we look at the visual culture of this continent.
The art has many emphasis, one of which is the human figure and is the most popular subject matter for both well-known artists and those who aspire to be one. The art can present many types of figures such as a chief or a dancer or a drummer. Humans can also be presented in the form of the living or the dead as well as a fusion with god like and animal like figures.
Their art is also captured in ceremonial events and in the performance art. Because of this, attention to minute detail is given, to create the illusion of a living being. Ceremonial textiles are woven or decorated in such a way that the wearer becomes the sculpture or spirit.
African Art is rich with legacy and talent.
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