Art of Africa

What do you know about African art? Surely, it is enough to be taken aback by these wonderful masks and sculptures, that, as we know from data that has come down to us, are produced by some of the genius of art, from the west Guinean coast, through Sudan and on to Angola and the Congo. African art is alive, no matter when it was made. Lacking a written language, societies carried their myths in their heads, transmitting legends orally. The carvings of the sculptures and masks are an additional language, through which the whole community - and we, too -- experience the inner life and communicate with the spirit world. African art is a language of inner communication used to help people connect to the world in the long cycle from birth to death.

One should know that every act in the life of an African has its ritual and every rite its images. An African child, male or female, comes to life under the auspices of the spirits before birth. A mother prays during pregnancy to an image which is the unborn child's protector. Another spirit would be called on to assist through the delivery. And still another would stand outside her hut with alms bowl to secure the child's place in the world.

Sometimes in African art the artist is unknown, and we are left with only their art, which was made often for use in the rituals of the society. For example, the Fang masks face masks from the Ngil brotherhood of Gabon -- these masks have a simple elegance that attract many who see them. It is easy to see how they influenced Pablo Picasso, among others. Take a look at his "Mademoiselles D'Avingon," and you will see the critical influence of African masks. Picasso first saw a Fang mask in 1905, shown to him by his painter friend, Andre Derian. And 20th century art would never be the same. Look at some of these masks, hang them in your house, and you might never be the same, either.

Let me just say that African art has a power that stunned artists in Paris at the turn of the century. An elongated face, with minimal facial features such as eyes and mouth, is enough to bring a lifetime of wonderment to those looking at the masks. Other masks were used to in dances to foster good yields in the field for the community. All aspects of life are represented in African art, with masks made for every kind of ritual. Inevitably, the astonishment that will likely arise in you, as it did with me, can bring much knowledge to those trying to understand the world and universe we find ourselves living in.

—Ana Weir