An Overview Of African Sculptures

By Jerry Graham


Being a home to 56 nations makes Africa rich in diverse cultural content. This is due to the fact that each nation has several encrypted cultural values. History and cultural roots of this nations are stored through African sculptures. They reflect the past with both tribal and ritual functions. These sculptures are designed by highly talented artist who is well conversant with the African culture. This is to paint a clear picture of the content of the African history.

The carvings exist in various types. Masks, figures and many other formulations can be made. The materials used to make them include bronze, stones, porcelain, brass, and wood. They are made in a way to resemble human activities. The activities depend on the specific culture including hunting, family times and other socioeconomic forms which existed in the traditional setting.

Variations exist in these sculptures. This is due to the mere fact that different nations are located at different places or locations and have a history of practicing different activities. The representation of these forms, therefore, vary from region to region. In general, Africa is divided to four areas in relation to artistic representation. Having said this, the materials and various techniques vary depending on these regions.

To begin with is West Africa. Their artistic representation of the human form took the shape of an elongated, angular and serene faced individuals. They mainly used woods to carve their products. Religious rituals are the main theme of their carvings. East Africa is the second region. Though it has less known sculptures, their arts are unique. Their statues are in pole form of human beings or other commonly known objects.

The east African carvings mainly portray and used in death and funeral rituals. The Maasai of Kenya is the most recognized community doing this activity. The Central region is the third region of classification. Their arts vary as they contain dotted patterns with heart shaped figures. Materials commonly used for carving include ivory, bone, metals, and stones.

When you come to the southern parts of Africa then you will find material like wood and clay that are used to make carvings. Depending the kind of material that is used to make then they also take different shapes or forms. So as to have a statute that is made from different kinds of materials means that the materials were taken care of so as to combine them.

Wooden materials, for example, which are the most common, is cared for by use of a damp cloth to dust the surfaces. Bronze monuments require a well ventilated area with minimal heat and humidity. Terracotta statutes, which are usually porous and unfinished are cared for by use of a light cloth. A paintbrush can be used to do heavy cleanings.

In conclusion, when buying a sculpture consider various things. Using the internet, it is easy to do research on the items. It is, therefore, necessary that you look at the prices and the feedback from people and the kind of likes that you have in various carvings.




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