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Writer's pictureYouth Creativity Project

Ancient African Art

African art has played a major role in our society’s culture for centuries helping to shape it into something amazing. Dating back to more than 50,000 years ago, most African art comes in forms of rock art, masks, sculpture, painting, and pottery.


Although many of these works we see today are displayed as art in museums, they weren’t always used that way. African artists are known to be inspired by their daily surroundings and what they saw everyday was handwoven clothing and unique dances. Oftentimes these artists would create sculptures or masks that were meant to be used in rituals or other tribal gatherings.


These African artists almost always used certain elements which make their art uniquely African. Resemblance to human being, luminosity, self- composure, youthfulness, and clarity of form and detail are known as the five elements of African aesthetics that African artists use to complete their works.


In African sculptures, artists use many different materials. The most commonly used material is wood but other materials such as iron and copper alloys have been known to be used as well. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art shows a variety of different sculptures both inside and outside of the museum. Many of them are made from wood but you can find copper alloys and iron sculptures outside too.



When examining African paintings, you’ll notice a variety of vibrant colors symbolizing life and wisdom. The oldest known African painting was found in the form of rock art in a cave in Namibia. African paintings are known to be inspired by the human figure which is why many of the paintings are abstract forms of African humans working in the fields or carrying baskets filled with food or water.



African masks also are composed of many different colors usually symbolizing the spirits the wearer is offering thanks to. The most common types of masks are face masks that cover the wearer’s face, helmet masks that cover the wearer’s whole head, and forehead masks that are worn like hats above the forehead. The most commonly worn of those listed is the face mask.



Unlike the paintings and masks, African pottery is known for the intricately carved designs that make them so unique. The oldest African pottery was found around 7,000 BC. and was used as bowls and pots to carry water or store food. Sometimes pots weren’t always the preferred method because of their weight but they provided a large amount of storage. Potters such as Ladi Kwali used old African methods and newly learned skills to create the exquisite vessels we now see today.


As you can see, African art is commonly shown around the world and aspects of that art is in everything around us. Classes at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art are taught to kids and adults interested in making weaves, bags, pots, and paintings. African artists put their souls into their works and I hope you got to enjoy learning how.


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