AP Art History Unit 6: Africa, 1100-1980 CE

The purpose or reason behind creating a work of art.

The people who will see or experience the artwork.

The person or group who funds or commissions the artwork.

The artist's own goals and intentions for the artwork.

The practical use or function of the artwork.

The environment or circumstances surrounding the artwork.

The way the artist chooses to shape, style, and create the artwork.

The reaction viewers have to an artwork.

The purposes and functions of African art are compared to those of other cultures and time periods to highlight similarities and differences.

Contextual analysis involves understanding the historical, social, and cultural factors surrounding a work of art.

Visual analysis focuses on the form, style, materials, technique, and content of a work of art.

Contextual analysis helps understand how artistic decisions were influenced by the work's creation and meaning.

Students should identify the visual elements of a work and explain how they relate to its context.

Avoiding confusion between visual and contextual analysis is crucial for understanding art.

Contextual analysis helps understand the rich artistic traditions of various African cultures.

The AP exam requires students to explain how context impacts artistic decisions and meaning in art.

The ways civilizations interact, such as through trade, war, or colonialism, can powerfully impact the development of art and artistic practices.

Artistic influences that spread between cultures, including spolia (reusing art), appropriation (adopting styles), and stylistic revivals (reinterpreting past styles).

The movement of people across the African continent, including southward migrations and the crossing of the Congo River, has had a significant impact on the distribution of art, religions, and trade routes.

The arts, major world religions, and international trade routes followed specific paths across Africa, resulting in the diverse cultural patterns we see today.

The tendency for outsiders to mischaracterize African art as primitive, ethnographic, anonymous, or static rather than recognizing its dynamic and diverse nature.

Africa's engagement with the rest of the world has resulted in vibrant and complex artistic traditions that reflect the interaction of different cultures and languages.

The contributions of African life and arts can be seen in various populations around the world, highlighting the interconnectedness of human creativity.

Artistic practices in Africa were and continue to be disseminated through contact and interaction, highlighting the essential role of cultural exchange in shaping art.

A mosque built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 20th century, known for its distinctive mudbrick architecture and impressive size.

A wall plaque made from cast brass, depicting a royal figure from the Benin Kingdom. These plaques served as a visual record of the kingdom's history and power.

A ceremonial stool made of wood covered in gold. It's a symbol of the Ashanti Kingdom's authority and represents the unity of the people.

A wooden sculpture depicting a Kuba king, known for their realistic detail and intricately carved surfaces. These sculptures were used as a representation of the king's power and authority.

A wooden figure used in Kongo religion, often with metal nails or blades inserted. These figures were thought to have magical power and were used for protection, healing, or to punish wrongdoers.

Performances in Africa incorporate costumes and music, these elements are not random but part of cultural protocols.

These protocols are designed to make sure artistic experiences are meaningful and culturally appropriate.

Art in Africa serves a specific purpose, it's meant to influence or affect the audience or patron.

African arts are powerful tools used to establish and maintain social order, they help transmit knowledge and define societal roles.

Art pieces that reflect the achievements of leaders legitimize their authority and convey their legacy.

Art is used to celebrate ancestry and lineage, connecting people and reinforcing shared values.

African artistic traditions often involve singing, dancing, and storytelling as a way to preserve history.

Art in Africa is meant to produce specific outcomes, it's not just for aesthetics, but for its impact on society.

The study of art history is influenced by different theories and interpretations of art and art-making that evolve over time. These theories may stem from visual analysis, scholarly research, or a combination of both.

Theories and interpretations in art history can be utilized to construct arguments about specific artworks or groups of artworks. They can be used to support, challenge, or expand on existing understandings.

The lack of information about the artists and exact dates of creation in African art doesn't necessarily imply a lack of interest or value for the work.

African art, traditionally collected by non-Africans, is often grouped by ethnicity, location, and stylistic similarities. The artists' names and creation dates may not be readily available.

The study of art history often relies on information and perspectives from non-African sources, leading to a potential bias in understanding the history of African art.

While the exact interpretations of African art may be debated, the skillful craftsmanship and expressive qualities of the works are undeniable and highly valued.

The study of art history involves examining the visual characteristics of artworks and considering the historical, cultural, social, and technological factors influencing their creation.

The study of art history encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including art criticism, archaeology, anthropology, and sociology. The insights from these fields contribute to understanding the context and significance of artworks.