African art work is becoming increasingly popular for use in the home to help create a full African theme in a room. It can be used to bring a taste of the exotic to the home, and provide something a little different from the popular Monet, Van Gogh and Dali prints commonly used to liven up a dull wall. However what of the significance of this art? What is the use in African society? From where do these African symbols come and what role do they play in the towns and villages of Africa? Two common art forms used in home decoration in the west have a much more significant role in African village life.
One of the most striking and instantly recognizable African art forms is the mask. African masks date back to Paleolithic times and have long been used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, and to tell stories and mythologies. Masks are often considered as a link between the real world and that of the spirit world. They are believed to bring the two worlds closer and to help the mask wearer to communicate with ancestors, seek blessing from, or appease the spirits.
It is thought that the act of wearing the mask is accompanied by possession by the spirits; from this communication great knowledge can be gained and prophecies made. Many masks depict animals, or consist of animal and human features merged together, signifying man and beast as one. Many such masks are worn in ceremonies before a big hunt, to bring man closer to the natural world and to maximize the chances of a successful days hunting
Much of African art work takes a three dimensional form, which is more favored by African artists to two dimensional representations. Some of the most recognizable African sculptures are those of featuring tall figures with elongated limbs. Many carvings are made in wood, soapstone or ebony. Most of the carvings of figures are used in shrines or for protection from evil spirits. The carvings are believed to take on the spirit of the ancestor or animal which they represent, and many are located at the entrance to the house to ward off evil spirits.
Fertility statues are carved and used in ceremonies and rituals long believed to help bring forth male offspring, or just a child in general. Often placed at the entrance to the bed chamber, it is believed that any woman who touches them will soon fall pregnant.
Much of the art found in Africa has only recently been considered as art by the western world. Pieces are often taken and displayed in museums in a piecemeal fashion, which does nothing to display the unique circumstances in which they were made, or places them out of context. They are viewed only for the level of detail which they contain, and for aesthetic appeal. It is rare for just one piece, such as a mask, to convey its true meaning without the accompanying clothes, headdresses, masks and music which are all used together in ceremonies.
When viewing African art work or when purchasing a piece, try to find out more about the history of the artifact, the reason for its creation, and its significance in the society from which it came. You can then help to preserve the culture from where it came on tell people of its true meaning.