African Art Sculpture and Other African Art

When it comes to African art most people imagine African art sculpture. Everyone knows about those conceptual representations of either the African wildlife or people. These figurines are mostly made of wood and can be in the form of face masks or jewelry as well.

Sub-Saharan Africa art sculpture was and even now made and used for specific and  practical intentions. The type of events that these figurines are made for are to record special events such as marriage, a birth, to mark a passage of rites or to mark a death. A good example of this would be from the people of the Yoruba in Nigeria who produce a sculpture called the Ibeji to celebrate the birth of twins (from ibi - first born and eji - second born).

There are all sorts of figures that are made for many reasons such a Ikenga African art sculptures that symbolize protective spirits that are made to bring good fortune and to defend a household. Then there are Ancestor figures that are sculpted to remind people of those family relatives that have died.

African art sculptures are made from all sorts of different mediums depending on what materials are available locally. In Central Africa for example the locals use stone, clay metal, bone, ivory but they mainly use wood. The figurines of this region usually have heart shaped faces that are adorned with circles and dots. This differs from the art of the Mende people of Sierra Leone who use wood and have surfaces that are flat and wide with round arms and legs. Then there are the famous Mossai of Burkina Faso who create works to represent political power and culture.

African art sculpture can be traced as far back as 600BC these sculptures have a combination of human form and animal characteristics. Carving can be traced even further back to 6000 years ago to the Sahara in Niger. These carvings were representations of animals found in the region at the time. 

As African art sculpture always served a practical purpose and were produced for a particular occasions. The carver would make a piece depending on what the patron wished for. The benefactor and the artist would collaborate on the piece with the price being set before work was started. The patron presumes that the artist will make a finished sculpture with a customary form and common style. In this relationship the object is the important thing not the carver.

African art sculptures are and were always in demand because they have a short life span due to the climate on the continent (humidity, dampness and the heat) and insect attack (woodworm and termites).

African art sculpture comes in a wide variety of forms as described above depending on which part of the continent the piece was produced in and they are beautiful works that are always unique. To own your own African art Sculpture is to see the world through the eye of the sculptor and in a new and different light. A good piece of African art sculpture can be the centre piece of any room and will bring years of enjoyment and delight.