4. Questions to Consider Why is so much of African art focused on spirituality, the spirit world, and the role of ancestors? What media do African artists prefer and why? What is the purpose of art in African culture?
5. Basic Ideas About African Culture Despite the vast differences, there are similarities Most believe in ancestor worship Ancestors never die and can be consulted Respect for family, blood ties, and the elders Fertility is worshipped Believe in animism, or spirits living throughout the world controlling natural phenomena
7. Characteristics of African Architecture Built to be cool for hot African environment Used lots of mud-brick construction, thatched roofs Mud-brick had to be watched during rainy season Most structures use organic materials, not long lasting Very few stone monuments
12. Characteristics of African Sculpture Most artwork is portable Large, monumental sculptures found in Egypt but not in the rest of Africa Typical media is wood, ivory, and metals; stone is rare Sometimes used multi-media, attaching feathers, fabrics, beads Findings do not reveal use of pre-planning in artwork, sketches, etc. Bodies and features can be exaggerated Forms tend to be geometric abstraction, does not stress realism Masks are used in ceremony; important part of culture
