PRECOLONIAL AFRICAN ARTS
Art happened everywhere in the world but the story of art as a continuous effort started in Egypt, Africa.
Civilisation too, we know,
started in Egypt. This was because the Egyptians had well
organized monarchies which commissioned artworks for their burial tombs.
These artvworks were the only early works of Africa
known to the rest of the world. This is because the Egyptian
works were preserved in the pyramidial tombs.
In other parts of
Africa, there was no intent to preserve the works in the manner of the Egyptians.
These works have only come to light through archaeological and anthropological finds of recent times.
We also know that the beginning of art in Egypt was connected with the
Egyptian religious belief.
The artworks of the other parts of Africa were also connected with the traditional religious beliefs and philosophies of African people.
There is the belief in the existence of a supreme being among all the peoples of Africa. This being is given different names in different locations, regions or ethnic groups.
The Yoruba for example, call him Olorun and the lgbo call
him Chukwu. In Hausa, he is known as Allah. In Edo, he is known as Osanobua and in Urhobo, he is known as Oghene.
This supreme
being is believed to have control over natural forces and cosmic
rhythms. There is also the belief in the hierarchical set-up of invisible forces and cosmic rhythm which control the visible forces such as animals and plants.
There is also the belief in increase and
multiplication as a result of which rain is deitified because it is identified as a force that can help animals and vegetables to grow well.
There is also the belief in the existence of life after death and in forces which affect joy and sorrow, life and death. These forces are called upon to influence their lives.
African artworks are, therefore, made to establish harmony between these invisible forces and man to enable human beings live a better life while alive. In this regard, the works are used as protection in homes to ward off evil, keep off thieves and stop enemies during wars.
It is in recognition of this spirit behind artworks that
some of them, especially masks, are used in combination with music and dancing to express and celebrate the moral and religious beliefs of the people.
Artworks are also made to serve economic and decorative purposes.
Apart from their use for invocation and incantations, art-
works are also used as a form of disguise by hunters so that
animals may fall prey to them to be used for food.
On the other hand, traditional African rulers like Obas, Obis and Emperors might Commission artworks for the decoration of their courts and palaces as we can see in Ife and Benin, and for the decoration of trays or
stools for the entertainment of guests.
Artworks also serve as a
status symbol.
We will find out the main purpose of each work of
art as we discuss some of the major artworks from some countries in Africa.
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