The beauty behind the art in Africa can be portrayed when we see the westerners admire any art figure from a distance.
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It is said that westerners discovered African art during the closure of the last century.
African art has become an object of emulation amongst the European and American artists simply because African art is refreshing and comes in simplified forms. I also believe that the true history of art lies with the Africans because of the originality it portrays.
African arts portrays the original life of the Africans. One can easily appreciate the African art by terming it as an art that is symbolic and intuitive. African art is very distinguished and different from the western arts.
The beauty of African art is such that can cause different feelings and emotions and can also covey a message to anyone observing. However, one can truly appreciate its beauty by understanding the culture and environment that influenced the art. Using western methods of study can also help understand African arts better.
Many books on western art and its history focus more on the changes in style and ways that Various Artists influenced each other. History hasn't really recorded style changes in African arts, so it cannot be studied using one method as tge tribes and cultures may differ ranging from differences in native language to various believes.
Religion is also a determinant the African life, arts and society. It is manifest in the masks sculpture, ancestors or cult figures, fetishes and reliquary figures. Arts that are said to be religiously empowered are rarely displayed in the public, some are usually stored in chambers and shrines as the case may be.
In conclusion, African arts shows and portrays the various traditions and cultures of tge different tribes. The political, Religious and historical aspects of each tribe and religion can be proven by their arts.
African art is has become the best contribution Africa has made so far to the cultural heritage of mankind. African arts were hardly known outside the African continent until the late nineteenth century, but now in the twentieth century, its has its effects on Western art and has become greatly appreciated all over the world.
I believe every African Home should have Atleast an exhibition of the African art.
