African American study tour experiences and outcomes

Smithsonian African Art

One of the key factors that occurred when humans came together as a society was their ability to remake the world based on imagination. Conceptualizing nature, the supernatural, and humans in something that takes creative energy was a huge step in cognitive evolution. Using art as a way to touch the spiritual as well as the temporal describes a society that has both the time and expertise to appreciate more than just the day-to-day struggle for food and shelter. Most anthropologists believe that hominid life began in African, and spread throughout the known world. However, for various climactic and geophysical reasons, some of the remains of ancient African cultures are difficult to find. What we do have, however, is an artistic tradition that is both timeless and multigenerational.., the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution gives contemporary society a brief glimpse into this fascinating world -- a world that combines the primitive with such immense visual imagery that one can scarcely imagine how any European society could believe African did not have a rich artistic tradition.

Exhibit 1 -- One of the first things one notices is that African art is incredibly diverse. The tradition based artifacts speak to a grand historical tradition that combined art with practicality. This combination said that society had a sense of the aesthetic, and could differentiate between utility and beauty. For example, in Figure 1, a simple pottery jug used to hold and carry water, or as a day-to-day utility container becomes an expression of spiritual and mystical patterns and pleasing designs. The utility of the container is heightened by the shape and depth, but the artistic concept goes far beyond that of a simple water vessel. So too, is the concept of a cup from the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Figure 2). Note that the carving represents a merge of the human and animal natures. This particular cup was used for palm wine, and shows that the culture gave special merit to not only the drink itself, but the act of imbibing. Note, too, the regal nature of the lamb and elegant features of the human. The time it takes to produce such art also shows the idea of permanence and lineage; many of these "practical" pieces were handed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms.

Exhibit 2 - One of the more surprising and, frankly, awe inspiring portions of the collection focused on the paintings done in Ethiopia in the 15th-17th centuries. Much of Ethiopia had become Christian by that time, holding a long tradition of Coptic Christianity from the Egyptian areas in the very early Middle Ages. The colors presented, as well as the serene nature of the characters are as poignant and emotional as any Baroque European artist. One wonders, though, if there isn't some disassociation between the indigenous cultures and the subject matter in that all the holy characters are clearly Caucasian in a land in which most worshipers are dark skinned.

Exhibit 3 -- According to the museum, textiles are one of the most vivid and expressive means of artistry in Africa. The complexity and color of the garmet often reflects the person's status, and in many cases the designs on clothing are meant to have a spiritual significance and/or protect the wearer from negativity. Weaving, too, is non-gender based. Both men and women participate in the activity; from the choosing of dyes to weaving to final decoration of fabric. Due to the nature of the various climates in Africa, interesting colrations are available from a disparate sour of natural dyes made from soils, insects, animals, and vegetation. In fact, African textile art has become so advanced it has an international market. Particularly popular are Ghana and Mali clothing, and blankets and wall covering from East Africa. Note (figure 4), both the complex nature of this woven flag and the juxtaposition of primitive Africa with a colonialist symbol.