Wall Art & Pillows
Related Sources
Documentaries & Other Media
African Art is a great documentary on African Art from 1995. Posted for the use of my Overview of World Art students, and anyone else with an educational interest.
Video Link:
Eric Schruers: (2015, June 2). African Art [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpz_gukd7vw
$10 million' African art collection amassed in NY apartment
Eric Edwards has spent decades building what he says is a world-class collection of African art, which fills his Brooklyn apartment. Now he’s raising funds to create a new permanent museum to house it.
Video Link:
AFP News Agency: (2015, July 7). $10 million' African art collection amassed in NY apartment [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bziPJudYVb8
Art of the Kuba: Journey to a Majestic Past is a 30 minute program about the art and culture of the Kuba People of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The show highlights the exhibit, held at Governors State University's Visual Arts Gallery, and features the rich textiles, intricate beadwork, ceremonial masks, and historical photographs of the Kuba. An interview of Prince Ngoloshang Mbecky
of the Kuba Royal family conducted by GSU Art History Professor Arthur Bourgeois is also included in the program.
Video Link:
Governors State: (2013, October 22). Art of the Kuba: Journey to a Majestic Past [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT-tx5hdd50&t=303s
Museums & Organizations
National Museum of African Art Smithsonian Institution
Fowler Museum at UCLA
NSU Art Museum
Baltimore Museum of Art
Brooklyn Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Art Institute of Chicago
Southern University Museum of Art Shreveport
ACASA Directory of Museums with Institutional Collections of African Art
Books
African Textiles (HC) (2022)
African Artists: From 1882 to Now
African Textiles: Color and Creativity Across a Continent
African Forms: Art and Rituals
African Art in American Collections: Survey 1989
African Narratives of Orishas, Spirits and Other Deities
A Cameroon World: Art and Artifacts from the Caroline and Marshall Mount Collection
Featured Content
AFRICAN ARTIFACTS
& TEXTILES
African artifacts and textiles are deeply significant elements of the continent's culture, history, and identity. These objects, including sculptures, masks, pottery,
and intricate textiles, serve aesthetic, religious, social, and political functions. They not only reflect Africa's diverse artistic traditions but also embody its history, beliefs, and social structures. These cultural expressions continue to influence global art and fashion, preserving Africa's rich heritage while adapting to contemporary trends.
FEATURED ARTIFACTS & TEXTILES
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
CONGO KIFWEBE MASK
The Kifwebe mask is a distinctive and symbolic artifact origina-
ting from the Songye and Luba peoples of the Congo. Tradition-
ally used in ceremonies, these
masks are characterized by
their elongated faces, geome-
tric patterns, and bold, linear designs. Kifwebe masks come
in two forms: male and female.
The male masks, typically more aggressive in appearance, are
often used in rituals related
to social control, law enforce-
ment, and initiation rites.
Female masks are associated
with fertility and protection.
The Kifwebe mask is a powerful cultural symbol, reflecting the beliefs, values, and artistry of
the communities that created
and used them. Its striking
design continues to inspire contemporary art and fashion.
CAMEROON BAMILEKE SHIELD
Bamileke shields originate from
the Bamileke people of Cameroon, known for their rich artistic and cultural traditions. These oval-shaped wooden shields were traditionally used in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing power, protection, and status. Crafted
with intricate geometric patterns, they were often adorned with
bold black and white designs, reflecting spiritual and social meanings.Historically, Bamileke shields were carried by warriors
or used during rituals to honor ancestors and deities. Over time, they have transitioned into
highly regarded works of art, celebrated for their craftsman-
ship and cultural significance, embodying the values and iden-
tity of the Bamileke people.
CAMEROON BAMILEKE HAT
The Bamileke hat, also known as
the "Juju hat" or "Feather hat,"
is a distinctive and culturally significant headdress originating from the Bamileke people of Cameroon. Traditionally worn
by royalty, chiefs, and other
high-ranking individuals, the hat symbolizes power, prestige, and cultural heritage. The Bamileke
hat is often crafted from dyed
raffia or wool and decorated with vibrant feathers, beads, or other ornamental elements. Its circular design and elaborate patterns
reflect the artistic traditions
of the Bamileke people. Today,
the Bamileke hat is recognized
both as a symbol of Cameroonian cultural identity and as a fashion-able accessory in global fashion.
CONGO KUBA CLOTH
Kuba cloth, made by the Kuba people of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, is
renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance. Crafted from
raffia palm fibers, it features geometric patterns and vibrant colors reflecting Kuba artistic traditions. Traditionally used
in ceremonial attire, the cloth
is adorned with detailed embroi-
dery and appliqué, with designs carrying symbolic meanings
related to the Kuba's social
and spiritual beliefs. The art
of making Kuba cloth dates
back to at least the 16th century,
with some estimates suggesting
it could be as old as the 14th century. This textile has long
been used in ceremonial contexts, showcasing the Kuba’s expertise
in textile arts and their integra-
tion of artistic expression with cultural identity.
AFRICAN ARTIFACTS
& TEXTILES
African artifacts and textiles are deeply significant elements of the continent's culture, history, and identity. These objects, including sculptures, masks, pottery, and intricate textiles, serve aesthetic, religious, social, and political functions. They not only reflect Africa's diverse artistic traditions but also embody its history, beliefs, and social structures. These cultural expressions continue to influence global art and fashion, preserving Africa's rich heritage while adapt-ing to contemporary trends.
FEATURED ARTIFACTS & TEXTILES
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
CONGO KIFWEBE MASK
The Kifwebe mask is a distinctive and symbolic artifact originating from the Songye and Luba peoples of the Congo. Traditionally used in cere-monies, these masks are characterized by their elongated faces, geometric patterns, and bold, linear designs. Kifwebe masks come in two forms: male and female. The male masks, typically more aggressive in appearance, are often used in rituals related to social control, law enforcement, and initiation rites. Female masks are associated with fertility and protection. The Kifwebe mask is a powerful cultural symbol, reflecting the beliefs, values, and artistry of the communities that crea-ted and used them. Its striking design continues
to inspire contemporary art and fashion.
CAMEROON BAMILEKE SHIELD
Bamileke shields originate from the Bamileke people of Cameroon, known for their rich
artistic and cultural traditions. These oval-
shaped wooden shields were traditionally
used in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing
power, protection, and status. Crafted with
intricate geometric patterns, they were often adorned with bold black and white designs, reflecting spiritual and social meanings.
Historically, Bamileke shields were carried
by warriors or used during rituals to honor ancestors and deities. Over time, they have transitioned into highly regarded works of
art, celebrated for their craftsmanship and
cultural significance, embodying the values
and identity of the Bamileke people.
CAMEROON BAMILEKE HAT
The Bamileke hat, also known as the "Juju hat"
or "Feather hat," is a distinctive and culturally sig-nificant headdress originating from the Bamileke people of Cameroon. Traditionally worn by royalty, chiefs, and other high-ranking individuals, the hat symbolizes power, prestige, and cultural heritage. The Bamileke hat is often crafted from dyed raffia or wool and decorated with vibrant feathers, beads, or other ornamental elements. Its circular design and elaborate patterns reflect the artistic tradi-tions of the Bamileke people. Today, the Bamileke hat is recognized both as a symbol of Cameroonian
cultural identity and as a fashionable accessory
in global fashion.
CONGO KUBA CLOTH
Kuba cloth, made by the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is renowned
for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural signi-ficance. Crafted from raffia palm fibers, it features geometric patterns and vibrant colors reflecting Kuba artistic traditions. Traditionally used in cere-
monial attire, the cloth is adorned with detailed embroidery and appliqué, with designs carrying symbolic meanings related to the Kuba's social
and spiritual beliefs. The art of making Kuba cloth dates back to at least the 16th century, with some estimates suggesting it could be as old as the
14th century. This textile has long been used
in ceremonial contexts, showcasing the Kuba’s expertise in textile arts and their integration of artistic expression with cultural identity.
AFRICAN ARTIFACTS
& TEXTILES
African artifacts and textiles are deeply significant elements of the continent's culture, history, and identity. These objects, including sculptures, masks, pottery, and intricate textiles, serve aesthetic, religious, social, and political functions. They not only reflect Africa's diverse artistic traditions but also embody its history, beliefs, and social structures. These cultural expressions continue to influence global art and fashion, preserving Africa's rich heritage while adapt-ing to contemporary trends.
FEATURED ARTIFACTS & TEXTILES
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
AFRICAN ARTIFACTS
& TEXTILES
African artifacts and textiles are deeply significant elements of
the continent's culture, history, and identity. These objects, includ-
ing sculptures, masks, pottery, and intricate textiles, serve aesthetic, religious, social, and political functions. They not only reflect Africa's diverse artistic traditions but also embody its history, beliefs, and social structures. These cultural expressions continue to influence global art and fashion, preserving Africa's rich heritage while adapt-ing to contemporary trends.
FEATURED ARTIFACTS & TEXTILES
FEATURED NEWSPAPERS
CONGO KIFWEBE MASK
The Kifwebe mask is a distinctive and sym-
bolic artifact originating from the Songye
and Luba peoples of the Congo. Traditionally
used in ceremonies, these masks are charac-terized by their elongated faces, geometric patterns, and bold, linear designs. Kifwebe
masks come in two forms: male and female.
The male masks, typically more aggressive in appearance, are often used in rituals related
to social control, law enforcement, and initia-
tion rites. Female masks are associated with fertility and protection. The Kifwebe mask
is a powerful cultural symbol, reflecting the beliefs, values, and artistry of the commu-
nities that created and used them. Its striking design continues to inspire contemporary
art and fashion.
CAMEROON BAMILEKE SHIELD
Bamileke shields originate from the Bamileke people of Cameroon, known for their rich
artistic and cultural traditions. These oval-
shaped wooden shields were traditionally
used in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing
power, protection, and status. Crafted with intricate geometric patterns, they were often adorned with bold black and white designs, reflecting spiritual and social meanings. Historically, Bamileke shields were carried
by warriors or used during rituals to honor
ancestors and deities. Over time, they have transitioned into highly regarded works of
art, celebrated for their craftsmanship and
cultural significance, embodying the values
and identity of the Bamileke people.
CAMEROON BAMILEKE HAT
The Bamileke hat, also known as the "Juju hat"
or "Feather hat," is a distinctive and culturally significant headdress originating from the Bamileke people of Cameroon. Traditionally
worn by royalty, chiefs, and other high-ranking individuals, the hat symbolizes power, pres-
tige, and cultural heritage. The Bamileke hat
is often crafted from dyed raffia or wool and decorated with vibrant feathers, beads, or
other ornamental elements. Its circular design
and elaborate patterns reflect the artistic traditions of the Bamileke people. Today, the Bamileke hat is recognized both as a sym-
bol of Cameroonian cultural identity and as
a fashionable accessory in global fashion.
CONGO KUBA CLOTH
Kuba cloth, made by the Kuba people
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
is renowned for its intricate craftsmanship
and cultural significance. Crafted from
raffia palm fibers, it features geometric
patterns and vibrant colors reflecting
Kuba artistic traditions. Traditionally used
in ceremonial attire, the cloth is adorned
with detailed embroidery and appliqué,
with designs carrying symbolic meanings
related to the Kuba's social and spiritual
beliefs. The art of making Kuba cloth dates
back to at least the 16th century, with
some estimates suggesting it could be
as old as the 14th century. This textile has
long been used in ceremonial contexts,
showcasing the Kuba’s expertise in textile
arts and their integration of artistic expres-
sion with cultural identity.