By Clint Leung
One of the biggest contradictions in the art world is with African art. This is because African art is among the most colorful of all native artwork in the world and yet this style of art comes from the ‘dark continent’ of Africa.
African paintings can depict life in Africa with village scenes involving people doing everyday activities such as cooking, caring for their children and playing. Of course, there are paintings of the majestic wildlife found in Africa including lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinos. Some African art are quite realistic while some are very abstract. However, both are very inspiring showing just how proud African artists are of their homeland.
Some of the most highly sought after pieces among collectors of African artwork are the African tribal masks. There are masks used for ceremonies, rituals, battle and for telling stories. African tribal masks can signify such diverse characteristics such as courage, strength, protection, peace, fertility, honor and wisdom. There are even tribal masks of African animals such as elephants, zebras and antelopes.
Artisans in Africa create a wide variety of carvings, sculptures and statues from different mediums. Pieces can be made from wood, clay and different types of metal. Subjects of African carvings include both people and animals. Actual African carvings and sculptures can be stand alone pieces or as wall carvings.
Of course, anyone who has seen African people wear their traditional clothing will know that the African textiles and cloths are also very colorful. Not only can these fabrics be worn but they can also serve as nice wall hangings too.
When one sees the similarities of the colorful designs between the native artwork from the Caribbean and Africa, it becomes quite obvious where the influences of island art came from. The early African slaves who were taken over across the Atlantic ocean to the new world brought along their rich culture with them which included African art.
Today, African art can spice up homes and offices all over the world as more and more are discovering this interesting genre of native art. Exotic African art, whether a painting, mask or carving, will certainly be a great addition to any native tribal art collection.
About the Author: Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (
FreeSpiritGallery.ca
) , an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=144219&ca=Arts+and+Crafts