African Art and Culture Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is African art often rooted in?

Belief systems and ideas.

What are civic and religious centers often separated from in the context of African art?

Places that involve agriculture or herding.

Name one way cultural interactions can influence art and art making, according to the text?

War, trade, and travel.

What is one way that African art has been impacted, according to the text?

<p>Migration, world religions, and international trade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical western view of African art?

<p>Primitive</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one type of use for African artworks, according to the text?

<p>Used and performed rather than simply viewed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who generally owns the African artwork?

<p>The person who commissioned it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is on way African art is presented to audiences?

<p>Through song and dance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What material is used to inlay the entire surface of the Golden Stool?

<p>Gold</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the bells on the Golden Stool signify?

<p>They warn the king of danger.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Ashanti tradition, how did the Golden Stool descend from the heavens?

<p>A priest brought it down from heaven and it fell into the lap of King Osei Tutu.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the female (Pwo) mask in Chokwe society?

<p>The mask is used in ritual dances, where men wear it to portray female ancestors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golden Stool symbolize for the Ashanti people?

<p>The soul of the Ashanti nation and the mystical bond among all Ashanti people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinctive facial features characterize the Chokwe Pwo mask?

<p>Enlarged eye sockets, a pushed-in chin, a slender nose, and a high forehead.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific event is referred to as the 'War of the Golden Stool?'

<p>It was a conflict over British sovereignty in Ghana.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the white powder around the eyes of the Chokwe mask?

<p>It connects the figure to a spiritual realm.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, what is one reason the Golden Stool is never allowed to touch the ground?

<p>It is believed to contain the soul of the nation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of coral in the context of the Oba's regalia?

<p>It is an important symbol of the identity of the Oba, ruler of the land, with Olokun, ruler of the sea.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the male dancers dressed when they wear the Chokwe female masks?

<p>They are dressed as women with braided hair.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about the fate of the Chokwe mask when it is not in use?

<p>It is discarded and can be buried with the dancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the regalia worn by the Oba, such as a coral garment and headpiece, reflect?

<p>A continuous tradition of kingship and royal attire from the sixteenth century to the present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Whose idealized representation is the mask commissioned by Owie Kimou?

<p>Moya Yanso</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the cultural context regarding Chokwe society and the function of the female mask?

<p>Chokwe society is matriarchal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides the female mask, what other African work or style is listed in the text?

<p>Olmec-style mask</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary material used to create Igbo Ikenga shrine figures?

<p>Hardwoods</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Ikenga' translate to in the Igbo language?

<p>&quot;Strong right arm&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sowei spirit associated with in the Bundu mask tradition?

<p>The female water spirit</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Ikenga figure, what is the significance of the right hand?

<p>The right hand holds tools or weapons, makes sacrifices, and allows one to speak in public forums.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the enormous horns often seen on an Ikenga symbolize?

<p>Power</p> Signup and view all the answers

What part of a woman's life cycle do Bundu masks symbolize?

<p>A young woman entering puberty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of an Ikenga when its owner dies?

<p>It is destroyed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides strength, what are two other aspects of a man's life that an Ikenga can represent?

<p>Morality, prosperity, achievements, genealogy, and social rank.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What materials are prominently used in the Kuosi society's displays of wealth?

<p>Colored beads and cowrie shells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides wealth, what else do the colors and patterns of the Kuosi society's displays express?

<p>The society's cosmic and political functions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

On what occasions are the Kuosi masks worn?

<p>Important ceremonial occasions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who can own and wear an elephant mask?

<p>Only important people in society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Kuosi society performance, besides waving spears and horsetails, what other activity do maskers perform?

<p>Dance barefoot to a drum and gong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main material used to create the Fang reliquary figure?

<p>Wood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized by the prominent belly button and genitals of the Reliquary figure?

<p>Life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the prayerful gesture and somber look of the Fang reliquary figure emphasize?

<p>Death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the provided African sculpture, what is the role of the king's senior wife?

<p>She supports the throne, crowns the king during the coronation, and protects him during his reign.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides the king, his senior wife and the missing fan bearer, who are two other figures present in the African sculpture?

<p>The king's junior wife and his flute player, Eshu.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Eshu in the sculpture?

<p>Eshu is a trickster god.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is cire perdue?

<p>It is the lost wax process; a bronze casting method where a figure is modeled in clay, covered in wax, then covered again in clay.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'Byeri' in the art of the Fang people?

<p>It is a reliquary guardian figure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

African Art's Emphasis

African art is often connected to beliefs and ideas, focusing more on spiritual and intellectual aspects than physical form.

African Art's Role in Life

African art plays a crucial role in important life events like ceremonies and rituals.

Separation of Sacred and Secular Spaces

Important civic and religious centers in African cultures are often located away from areas dedicated to agriculture or herding.

Influence of Cultural Interaction on African Art

Cultural interactions, including war, trade, and travel have influenced the development of African art.

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Influences on African Art

African art has been affected by migration patterns, the spread of world religions, and international trade.

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Participatory Nature of African Art

African art is participatory, meaning it's designed to be used and interacted with, rather than simply observed.

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Organized Performances in African Art

Performances using African art are often highly structured and organized, showcasing specific cultural beliefs and traditions.

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Art and Authority in African Cultures

When an artwork represents authority, it reinforces the legitimacy of the leader or ruling group, demonstrating their power and influence.

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What is the Golden Stool?

The Golden Stool is an intricate wooden seat heavily decorated with gold, symbolizing the Ashanti nation's soul and unity. It is considered sacred and never touches the ground.

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How did the Golden Stool originate?

The Golden Stool was brought down from heaven by a priest and landed in the lap of the Ashanti king, Osei Tutu. It is believed to be a repository of the Ashanti nation's spirit.

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Is the Golden Stool used as a regular stool?

The Golden Stool does not serve as a functional seat; it is placed on another stool and is only touched by the Ashanti king.

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How is the Golden Stool used in Ashanti ceremonies?

New Ashanti kings are raised over the Golden Stool, and it is carried on a pillow when taken out for special occasions.

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Why is the Golden Stool so important to the Ashanti people?

The Ashanti people consider the Golden Stool to be the embodiment of their national unity and a symbol of their shared spirit and heritage.

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What was the War of the Golden Stool?

The War of the Golden Stool was a conflict between the Ashanti and the British in 1900, triggered by British attempts to assert sovereignty in Ghana.

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What is the significance of coral in the Oba's regalia?

Coral is a significant symbol of the Oba, the ruler of the land, and represents his connection to Olokun, the deity of the sea.

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What does the Oba's regalia symbolize?

The Oba's regalia, including the coral garments, represent a long-standing tradition of kingship and royal attire, dating back centuries.

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Idealized Representation

An idealized representation of a real person, often used in ceremonies or rituals to represent a specific individual or concept.

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Enlarged Eye Sockets

Facial features that are exaggerated or emphasized to create a specific effect or meaning.

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Scarification Marks

A distinctive marking that adds to the aesthetic and symbolic value of the object.

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White Powder

White powder or pigment used in traditional African art and rituals, often signifying connection to the spiritual realm.

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Female Masks

Masks worn by men in ritual dances, representing female ancestors and symbolizing a role reversal.

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Matriarchal Society

A society where women hold a dominant role in social and political structures.

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Discarded Mask

The action of discarding or disposing of something, often with a specific ritualistic significance.

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Commemoration

The concept of commemorating or honoring heritage, ancestors, and historical events.

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Ikenga (shrine figure)

A sacred figure or object among Igbo people representing strength, power, and success.

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Material and Form of Ikenga

Ikenga figures are often carved from hardwood, suggesting strength and masculinity. They typically combine human, animal, and abstract forms, reflecting the complexity of the owner's status and achievements.

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Horn Symbolism in Ikenga

The enormous horns on the Ikenga symbolize power and status. They are often blessed before use and consecrated with offerings by kinsmen.

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Ikenga as a Symbol of Status

The Ikenga is a symbol of the owner's morality, achievements, genealogy, and social rank, reflecting their past, present, and potential future.

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Ikenga Ownership and Legacy

An Ikenga is maintained in the owner's home and is typically destroyed when they die. It can be reused by a relative if it's not destroyed.

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Ikenga and Masculinity

Ikenga serves as a reminder of traditional masculine values among Igbo people, such as strength, potency, and social responsibility.

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Individuality in Ikenga

Each Ikenga is unique, reflecting the individuality of its owner and their accomplishments. This highlights the personal aspect of the shrine figure.

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Cultural Significance of Ikenga

Ikenga is an important part of the Igbo cultural tradition that symbolizes strength, success, and social responsibility, making it a powerful symbol representing the aspirations and values of the community.

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Cire Perdue (Lost Wax Method)

The process of creating bronze sculptures by molding a clay model, covering it in wax, then embedding it in clay and melting the wax out before pouring molten bronze into the cavity.

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Bundu Mask

A mask used by the women's Sande society in Africa to mark the transition of young girls into womanhood.

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Byeri

A reliquary guardian figure, often carved from wood and representing ancestors, spirits, or protective forces.

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Adobe

A building material made from sun-dried earth, straw, or clay.

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Aka Elephant Mask

A mask representing the trickster god Eshu, known for his unpredictable nature and role in mediating between the spiritual and human realms.

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Kuosi Society

A social group in Africa known for their elaborate masks and ceremonies. They are considered elite and hold a significant spiritual and political role within the society.

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Masking Society

The art of using masks and costumes to perform rituals or stories. It is a way of expressing cultural ideas, beliefs, and narratives through dance and movement.

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Symbolic Use of Beads and Shells

The use of beads, shells, and colors on masks and costumes conveys specific meanings and symbols related to the Kuosi society's identity, beliefs, and social structure.

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Kuosi Dance Performance

The Kuosi society performs a dance involving masks, spears, horsetails, and music. This dance signifies their connection to the spiritual realm, and it is performed during important ceremonies.

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Reliquary Figure's Symbolic Form

The symbolic head and the body shape of the reliquary figure emphasize both life and death. The prominent belly button and genitals represent life, while the prayerful gesture and somber look symbolize death.

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Reliquary Figure's Function

Reliquary figures were placed on top of containers that held the remains of important clan leaders. They were believed to protect and honor the memory of those ancestors.

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Fang Peoples and Reliquary Figures

The Fang people are a group known for creating reliquary figures, which are wooden sculptures with a unique form that combines life and death symbolism.

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Study Notes

African Art Time Periods

  • Africa's chief civilizations include the Great Zimbabwe (11th-15th centuries), Bamileke (11th-21st centuries), Benin (13th-19th centuries), Luba (16th-21st centuries), Kuba (17th-19th centuries), Ashanti (17th-21st centuries), Chokwe (17th-21st centuries), Yoruba (17th-21st centuries), Baule (19th-21st centuries), Igbo (19th-21st centuries), Fang (19th-21st centuries), and Mende (19th-21st centuries).

Enduring Understandings and Objectives

  • Enduring Understanding: Artmaking is influenced by available materials and processes. Learning Objective: Discuss how material, processes, and techniques influence the making of a work of art. (For example: Bundu mask)
  • Enduring Understanding: The culture, beliefs, and physical settings of a region play an important role in the creation, subject matter, and siting of works of art. Learning Objective: Discuss how the culture, beliefs, or physical setting can influence the making of a work of art (For example: Lukasa (memory board))
  • Enduring Understanding: Cultural interaction through war, trade, and travel can influence art and artmaking. Learning Objective: Discuss how works of art are influenced by cultural interaction (For example: Aka elephant mask)
  • Enduring Understanding: Art and artmaking can be influenced by a variety of concerns including audience, function, and patron. Learning Objective: Discuss how art can be influenced by audience, function, and/or patron (For example: Mblo)
  • Enduring Understanding: Art history is best understood through an evolving tradition of theories and interpretations. Learning Objective: Discuss how works of art have had an evolving interpretation based on visual analysis and interdisciplinary evidence (For example: Great Zimbabwe)

Essential Knowledge

  • African art is a combination of the artwork, events, media, and ceremonies.
  • There's a wide variety of materials used in African art.
  • Human life originated in Africa.
  • Rock art is the earliest form of African art, often depicting animals.
  • The Sahara was once a vast grassland.
  • African art is often rooted in belief systems and ideas; focused on the spiritual and intellectual rather than the physical.
  • African art is involved in significant life stages. Important civic and religious centers are often located away from herding or agricultural areas.
  • African art has been impacted by migration, world religions and international trade, initially thought of as 'primitive' in the outside world but now understood as diverse and vibrant artistic traditions.

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African Art PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on African art and its cultural significance with this quiz. Explore key concepts, historical perspectives, and materials used in notable works, such as the Golden Stool and the Pwo mask. This quiz covers the connections between art, society, and identity in African traditions.

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