The fundamental meaning of Hausa Fulani art
The Hausa Fulani tribes consist of 99% Muslim people and their art is greatly influenced by the Muslim religion, which tends to be abstract, decorative and with floral designs. The colours and patterns are related spiritually but not directly. Compared to Christian art, Islamic art is more creative than restrictive towards their religion, and includes all artistic traditions in the Muslim culture. Their artworks transcend time, space, language and culture.
This bowl was made in the early 19th century, but could look like it was an object made today. Like the explanation above, the pattern and colour is related spiritually. Like the Hausa architecture and mosque's, the bowls dome shape is similar as well as the repeating patterns on it. These kind of bowls are everyday objects and a constant reminder of their culture, religion and duties. Bowls are used for storing food, eating, drinking and this was the main use of object for the African household.
This bowl was made in the early 19th century, but could look like it was an object made today. Like the explanation above, the pattern and colour is related spiritually. Like the Hausa architecture and mosque's, the bowls dome shape is similar as well as the repeating patterns on it. These kind of bowls are everyday objects and a constant reminder of their culture, religion and duties. Bowls are used for storing food, eating, drinking and this was the main use of object for the African household.
The fundamental meaning of Yoruba art
This bronze head sculpture is an artwork made by the Yoruba tribe around the 12th century A.D. The holes seen surrounding the face was made so facial hair could be placed. African sculptures usually portray the human form, and is often times very religious of spiritual. The symbolism of these types of sculptures was made to catch the spirits and gods attention and to bring good luck and good omens to them. Sometimes these heads may be very big if the tribes wanted them to look over the entire community. Which is why these sculptures were often made of bronze so they could last longer.
Even though bronze was an expensive and complicated material, because of the symbolism of these objects, the tribes felt they needed to put much hard work and effort into their art.
Even though bronze was an expensive and complicated material, because of the symbolism of these objects, the tribes felt they needed to put much hard work and effort into their art.
The fundamental meaning of Ibo art
Ibo art is based on a great variety of artistic styles and cultural practices. Mostly known for masquerades, masks and costumes which mostly symbolized people and animals. The majority of the Ibo community carved masks out of wood, though the function varied from community to community. Even though the Ibo tribes are mostly Christian, they held ritual ceremonies towards the spirit of ancestors, greater powers and good and evil. The masks used in ceremonies all had their individual symbolism, or could represent the family pride in these masks that were given as gifts.
The masks look like humans or animals but in an abstract form to represent a higher being. This is why only the elders of the tribe were allowed to wear the masks. The features of the mask also represent different meanings. The eyes being half closed symbolize having a peaceful attitude, self-control and patience. An open mouth represents humility, and protruding forehead portrayed wisdom.
The masks look like humans or animals but in an abstract form to represent a higher being. This is why only the elders of the tribe were allowed to wear the masks. The features of the mask also represent different meanings. The eyes being half closed symbolize having a peaceful attitude, self-control and patience. An open mouth represents humility, and protruding forehead portrayed wisdom.