Korhogo mud cloth is one of the few African textiles that is produced by men. The cloths are made by painting iron-rich mud onto handmade panels of cotton cloth and then submerging the entire cloth into a dye made of boiled vegetation. The stylized images on the cloths are figures and animals that hold great symbolic meaning for the Senufo. The central figure on this cloth … [Read more...] about Korhogo Mud Cloth with Dancer and Two Birds: Researched by Hannah Harmon
From ancient times through today, African cultures have made beads of many different materials, including shells, seeds, bone, ivory, horn, clay, gourd, wood, rock crystal, iron, copper, brass, and gold. The widespread trade of colorful European glass seed beads, however, enabled African artisans to greatly expand traditional beadwork forms and designs, and they elevated this … [Read more...] about African Beadwork: Researched by Amanda Horned and Cortney Metzger
Basketry has developed in all parts of the world, and the objects produced reflect their uses, their meanings, and the cultures that made them. Traditional cultures use basketry to make nets and weirs for hunting and fishing, to hold and distribute seeds during planting, to gather crops during the harvest, to process foods and materials, to store and ferment, and to hold, … [Read more...] about African Basketry: Researched by Lindsay Werner, Caitlin Baker, and Randi Ryder
With over 3,000 diverse ethnic groups spread over 54 countries, Africa offers a huge variety of traditions, customs, and forms of art. Among the most famous artworks produced on the continent are functional masks, which reflect the great importance of theater and masquerades in African education, ritual, and entertainment. Different forms of masks include face masks, body … [Read more...] about African Masks and Headdresses: Researched by Chaney Jewell
With over 3,000 diverse ethnic groups spread over 54 countries, Africa offers a huge variety of traditions, customs, and forms of art. Among the most famous artworks produced on the continent are functional masks, which reflect the great importance of theater and masquerades in African education, ritual, and entertainment. Different forms of masks include face masks, body … [Read more...] about African Mask and Headdresses: Researched by Paige Whitcomb