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African Art
The YORUBA peoples of Nigeria venerate many gods, including Shango (god of thunder) and Eshu (the trickster/messenger god). Dance staffs used in processions and festivals are often topped with figures of worshipers. Wooden ibeji figures illustrate the importance of twin births among the Yoruba, and the unfortunate high incidence of infant mortality. Ibeji represent deceased twins and are venerated as “children of Shango.” The cowrie shell decoration signifies the prosperity and good fortune associated with twins.
The KONGO, YOMBE and CHOKWE peoples inhabit the western Congo River basin. Both the Kongo and Yombe produce Minkisi – wooden figures containing spiritually-charged substances which diviners activate by driving pieces of iron into them. Minkisi have different functions: those holding spears are hunters of evil wrong-doers; while those with mirrors can see evil approaching from any direction and deflect it. The Yombe also produce Pfemba (mother and child) sculptures in connection with fertility practices. The Chokwe produce masks depicting both sacred and secular characters. Chihongo and Pwo are both used in secular masquerades: Chihongo is a chief or nobleman who brings prosperity, and his counterpart Pwo is an elderly female ancestor who encourages fertility.
A subgroup of the Akan, the BAULE peoples of Côte d’Ivoire are known for their refined and detailed hardwood carvings. Beautiful portrait masks, worn in secular masquerades honoring female leaders of dance troupes, represent individual yet idealized facial features. Small carvings of spirit spouses adorn household shrines and serve as the focus of religious beliefs in Other World interactions. Large sculptures of seated figures (often depicting ancestors) serve both sacred and secular functions, and evoke Akan notions about spirituality, rulership and seats of power.
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Unknown, African, Akan
Brass
20th Century Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Akan
Brass
20th Century Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Akan
Brass
20th Century Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Akan
Brass
20th Century Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Akan
Brass
20th Century Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Akan
Wood
20th Century Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire - Africa AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Yoruba
Wood, copper on Acrylic base
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Yoruba
Wood, red beads, modern metal base
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Yoruba
Wood with modern cube base
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Yoruba
Wood with wood base
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Yoruba
Wood, cowrie shells over canvas, blue and red beads
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Baule
Wood with paint
20th Century Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Baule
Wood with beads, modern base
20th Century Côte d'Ivoire AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Senufo
Wood
20th Century Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Burkino Faso AFRICAN
Unknown, African
Brass
20th Century AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Mende
Wood, Organic Material
20th Century Sierra Leone AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Mende
Wood, Organic Material
20th Century Sierra Leone AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Senufo
Wood, with traces of pigment
20th Century Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Burkino Faso AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Ogoni
wood
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Yoruba
Wood, Pigment
20th Century Nigeria AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Kota
wood and metal
20th Century Gabon AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Bamana
20th Century Mali AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Lulua
20th Century Democratic Republic of Congo AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Bamana
Wood
20th Century Mali AFRICAN
Unknown, African, Bamana
20th Century Mali AFRICAN
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