Smithsonian African Art One of Journal

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Exhibit 2 - One of the more surprising and, frankly, awe inspiring portions of the collection focused on the paintings done in Ethiopia in the 15th-17th centuries. Much of Ethiopia had become Christian by that time, holding a long tradition of Coptic Christianity from the Egyptian areas in the very early Middle Ages. The colors presented, as well as the serene nature of the characters are as poignant and emotional as any Baroque European artist. One wonders, though, if there isn't some disassociation between the indigenous cultures and the subject matter in that all the holy characters are clearly Caucasian in a land in which most worshipers are dark skinned.

Exhibit 3 -- According to the museum, textiles are one of the most vivid and expressive means of artistry in Africa. The complexity and color of the garmet often reflects the person's status, and in many cases the designs on clothing are meant to have a spiritual significance and/or protect the wearer from negativity. Weaving, too, is non-gender based. Both men and women participate in the activity; from the choosing of dyes to weaving to final decoration of fabric. Due to the nature of the various climates in Africa, interesting colrations are available from a disparate sour of natural dyes made from soils, insects, animals, and vegetation.

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In fact, African textile art has become so advanced it has an international market. Particularly popular are Ghana and Mali clothing, and blankets and wall covering from East Africa. Note (figure 4), both the complex nature of this woven flag and the juxtaposition of primitive Africa with a colonialist symbol.

Overall Impressions - the imagry of African Art is probably the most apparent component. Humans are portrayed in a variety of proportions, but there is a clear connection between flora, fauna, and humans. Nature is everywhere and there is a clear attempt at merging the natural and spiritual world. There were so many interesting objects, one could spend hours learning about the uses of art as toys, technology, and a path to the spritiual realm for many of these cultures.

REFERENCES & WORKS CONSULTED

"National Museum of Afrian Art," (2010). Smithsonian Institution. Cited in:

http://africa.si.edu/collections/index.htm

Visona, M., et.al. (2007). History of Art in Africa, 2nd Edition. New York:

Prentice Hall.

Ghana, Burkina Faso Pottery

Congo, Kuba Drinking Container

Ethiopia, Orthodox Painting on Wood

Ghana, Asafo Flag.....

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