African Art and Culture Quiz

Questions and Answers

All of the following are examples of royal regalia, except:

Jewels

Scepters (correct)

Artifacts of the reigning royal family

None of the above

Slip is an artistic technique in which _____________________

a thin lay based liquid which is used in the production of ceramics as either a glue to hold pieces together, or as a paint.

What is royal regalia?

Jewels, scepters, and other artifacts of the reigning royal family.

In Jenne art, figures were _________________

polished, covered with a red clay slip, and fired at low temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What was found at Igbo Ukwu?

Evidence for copper alloy or bronze casting in Sub Saharan Africa. Signup and view all the answers

By the ninth century, _________ became an economic and religious force in West and North Africa.

Islam Signup and view all the answers

The discovery of the Blombos cave suggests _________________

that abstract thought in humans occurred much earlier than once thought. Signup and view all the answers

In 1491, King Nzinga converted the Kongo Kingdom to Christianity. Which of the following was not true in the Kongo Kingdom after 1491?

Royal and religious regalia figures were mostly made of terracotta. Signup and view all the answers

_____________ is an ancient African location that archeologists believe was first settled in 200BC.

Jenne Signup and view all the answers

In the Kongo Kingdom, textiles were ____________________

used in funerary rituals and as a form of currency. Signup and view all the answers

Which site is believed to have been the site of an ancient elite burial and shrine?

Igbo Ukwu Signup and view all the answers

Africa is often termed "___________________" because of the examples of advanced development found by archeologists.

the cradle of art and civilization Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Royal Regalia

Items signifying royalty include jewels, scepters, and artifacts from ruling families.
There are exceptions to what constitutes royal regalia, as shown in quiz examples.

Artistic Techniques

Slip is a liquid clay mixture used in ceramics, acting as glue or paint.

Jenne Art

Figures are polished, coated with red clay slip, and fired at low temperatures to create a distinct appearance.

Archaeological Findings

Igbo Ukwu provided evidence of advanced metalworking, specifically copper alloy and bronze casting in Sub Saharan Africa.
Jenne, an ancient site dating back to around 200 BC, features small figures and Islamic architectural influences.

Influence of Islam

By the 9th century, Islam had established itself as a significant economic and religious force impacting West and North African cultures and architecture.

Abstract Thought

The discovery at Blombos Cave indicates that abstract thought emerged in humans earlier than previously believed.

Kongo Kingdom

In 1491, King Nzinga converted the Kongo Kingdom to Christianity, leading to changes in royal and religious figures, though terracotta predominated in regalia artifacts post-conversion.
Textiles served as both funerary items and currency within the Kongo Kingdom.

Burial Practices

Igbo Ukwu is recognized as a site for ancient elite burials and shrines.

Civilization Origins

Africa is referred to as "the cradle of art and civilization" due to the richness of historical development uncovered by archaeologists.

Description

Explore various aspects of African art and culture, including royal regalia, artistic techniques like slip in ceramics, and significant archaeological findings from important sites. Dive into the influence of Islam and the emergence of abstract thought in early humanity.