African Art Works 175-176 PDF

CREDIT LINE Name/Title of work- always underlined Artist/Architect- Who created it? Date- When was it created? Period- When? Cultural and time reference Original Location- Where was it originally placed? Museum- Where is it now? Patron- Did someone pay for this to be created? Material...

CREDIT LINE Name/Title of work- always underlined Artist/Architect- Who created it? Date- When was it created? Period- When? Cultural and time reference Original Location- Where was it originally placed? Museum- Where is it now? Patron- Did someone pay for this to be created? Material/Technique (media)- What is it made of? How was it created?  F.F.C.S.I. Think of it as if you’re investigating the artwork! Form- Is this 2D, 3D, sculpture in the round, or architecture? Function- What is its purpose? What was it made to be used for, or do? Apply “URPHEIA” Here. Style- How are you able to tell that this piece can be classified under this artist, culture, period, art movement, etc...? Context- WHY? What was happening during this time that caused this piece to be created? Influences/Ideas- What led up to the creation of this piece? How did this work reflect the ideas during this time in history, and allow it to be a product of its time?  U.R.P.H.E.I.A. UTILITARIAN – functional or useful items (i.e. containers, furniture, jewelry, etc. RELIGIOUS- items made for worship, veneration, ceremonies, rituals, festivals, procession, or burial rites. POLITICAL- items meant to comment on social or political issues; wars, social injustice, propagandizing leaders or to change public opinion. HISTORICAL- records historical events ECONOMIC- art made for financial gain or as a result of a wealthy patron. INFORMATION- to teach or inform; carry on a cultural tradition or moral to future generations. AESTHETICS- for the joy or search for beauty, art for arts sake.  Works 175-176 By Ty Mellinger, Caden Coons, Keith Daniels, Hadi Chaudhry, Cayden Baim, Davis Spielvogel, Michael Cormack  175. Bundu Mask Sande Society, Mende peoples (West African forests of Sierra Leone and Liberia). 19th to 20th century C.E. Wood, cloth, and fiber. FORM Typically carved from wood, the Bundu mask features a serene female face with intricate scarification patterns, often adorned with elaborate headdresses and symbolic elements. FUNCTION The mask serves as a central element in Sande society rituals, representing the ideal of feminine beauty, initiation into womanhood, and the transmission of cultural values and knowledge from older women to young initiates. CONTENT Carved from wood, it represents an idealized female face with intricate detailing and stylized features, showcasing the cultural importance of feminine beauty and initiation rituals. The mask is adorned with elaborate coiffure and scarification patterns, symbolizing societal ideals of femininity and maturity. Used exclusively by the women's Sande society, it plays a central role in initiation ceremonies where young girls transition into adulthood, embodying ancestral spirits and imparting cultural knowledge. With its striking design and cultural significance, the Bundu Mask serves as a powerful emblem of Mende traditions and spiritual beliefs within African art. CONTEXT The masks are worn by women who have a certain standing within the society, to receive the younger women at the end of their three month's reclusion in the forest. The different elements that compose the masks of this type, the half-closed and lengthened eyes, the delicate contours of the lips, the slim nose, the serenity of the forehead, the complexity of the headdress and the presence of neck and nape refer not only to aesthetic values, but also to philosophical and religious concepts. INNOVATION/CONVENTIONS Unlike many other masks, the Bundu Mask exclusively represents feminine beauty and is utilized in the initiation rituals of the women's Sande society, breaking away from the predominantly male-focused themes in African masks. Its innovation lies in its dual role as both a ceremonial object and a symbol of cultural identity, encapsulating the complex interplay between aesthetics, spirituality, and social rituals within African art. By challenging gender norms and embodying ancestral spirits, the Bundu Mask exemplifies a unique convergence of innovation and tradition in African artistic expression. INTERPRETATION Overall, the Bundu Mask is interpreted as a tangible manifestation of Mende cultural values, spirituality, and the intergenerational bonds that shape identity and community cohesion. DETAILS/ TERMS/ DEFINITIONS Sande Society: An all-female secret society among the Mende people of Sierra Leone, responsible for the initiation of young girls into womanhood and the transmission of cultural knowledge and values. Initiation Rituals: Ceremonies conducted by the Sande Society to mark the transition of young girls into adulthood, during which the Bundu Mask plays a central role in conveying cultural teachings and ancestral guidance. Scarification: A cultural practice among many African societies involving the intentional scarring of the skin to create decorative patterns or markings, often representing tribal affiliations, beauty standards, or rites of passage. Coiffure: Hairstyle or hairdressing, particularly significant in the context of the Bundu Mask, where the elaborate hair design reflects ideals of femininity, beauty, and cultural identity within Mende society. Ancestral Spirits: Beliefs in the presence and influence of deceased ancestors, often invoked during rituals such as those involving the Bundu Mask, where the mask is believed to embody the wisdom and protection of female ancestors.  176. Ikenga(Shrine Figure) Igbo peoples (Nigeria). c. 19th to 20th century ce. Wood. FORM The Ikenga shrine figure takes the form of a small wooden sculpture, carved from a single piece of wood. It depicts a muscular male figure standing, with prominent facial features and exaggerated limbs. The figure often holds symbolic objects such as a sword or a spear in one hand, symbolizing power, achievement, and protection. Additionally, the Ikenga may feature scarification marks or other decorative elements, reflecting the individual's status, achievements, and spiritual potency within Igbo culture.  FUNCTION The Ikenga Shrine figure comes from the Igbo people of Nigeria.It serves as a representation of the personal god, Ikenga, associated with success, achievement, and strength. Carved from wood, the figure typically portrays a muscular male seated or standing with one hand on his chin, symbolizing reflection and intellectual prowess. These figures were often commissioned by individuals seeking personal empowerment and protection, placed in shrines or household altars. They embody cultural beliefs and values, serving as tangible manifestations of aspirations and spiritual connection within Igbo society. CONTENT The Ikenga shrine figure, depicts a powerful male figure with intricate detailing. Crafted from wood, it typically stands or sits, adorned with symbols of strength and authority such as horns, weapons, or decorative scarification patterns. Its facial expression is intense, reflecting the vigor and determination associated with the deity it represents. These figures commonly feature prominent genitalia, symbolizing fertility and potency. Ikenga shrine figures serve as potent symbols of personal empowerment and protection, embodying the aspirations and spiritual beliefs of the Igbo people of Nigeria. CONTEXT Created primarily during the 18th and 19th centuries, these figures were commissioned by individuals seeking personal empowerment and success. They were typically placed in shrines or household altars, serving as focal points for rituals and ceremonies. The Igbo people believed in the presence of personal gods, and the Ikenga figure embodied the spirit of Ikenga, associated with achievement, strength, and intellectual prowess. These figures reflect the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Igbo society, showcasing their intricate carving techniques and symbolic representations of power and prosperity. INNOVATION/CONVENTIONS The Ikenga shrine figure, showcases several innovative aspects within its craftsmanship. Firstly, its portrayal of a personalized deity, Ikenga, reflects a unique cultural expression of individual empowerment and spiritual connection. Secondly, the figure's dynamic pose and muscular physique demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of anatomy and movement, indicating advanced sculptural techniques for its time. Additionally, the use of wood as the primary medium allows for intricate detailing and carving, showcasing the artist's skill and mastery of materials. Overall, the Ikenga shrine figure stands as an innovative example of how art can encapsulate cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and artistic ingenuity in a singular object. DETAILS/ TERMS/ DEFINITIONS Ikenga: In Igbo cosmology, Ikenga is a personal god representing individual achievement, success, and strength. The Ikenga shrine figure serves as a physical manifestation of this deity, embodying the aspirations and protective powers sought by its owner. Shrine Figure: A sculptural representation typically placed in religious or spiritual spaces, such as shrines or household altars. The Ikenga shrine figure, crafted from wood and adorned with symbolic elements, functions as a focal point for rituals and ceremonies associated with personal empowerment and protection. Ancestral Worship: The veneration figure may serve as a conduit for communication with ancestral spirits, offering guidance, blessings, and protection to the living. Scarification: A cultural practice involving the deliberate scarring or marking of the skin, often used to denote social status, identity, or ritual significance. The presence of scarification patterns on the Ikenga shrine figure body reflects the cultural traditions and beliefs of the Igbo people. Cultural Syncretism: The blending or merging of different cultural influences, beliefs, or practices. The Ikenga shrine figure exemplifies cultural syncretism by incorporating elements of traditional Igbo spirituality, artistic expression, and indigenous craftsmanship, reflecting a complex interplay of local traditions and external influences.n of deceased family members or ancestors, prevalent in many African cultures, including the Igbo.