With all the recent discussion surrounding African art, many people outside of the art world may be wondering: why is art so important in African culture? African art has been an integral part of the continent’s heritage for centuries, with ancestors using it to communicate with their families, communities, and tribes through cave paintings. In ancient Africa, people passed down art through oral storytelling and artistic interpretations.
Africans have not created art solely for aesthetic purposes but also for practical uses such as communicating with the gods or as a form of currency. Many African tribes have used art to document important events and pass down traditions from generation to generation. For example, the Akamba tribe in Nairobi, Kenya used art to honour women who remained behind while the men went to trade with the Arabs. The women found their roles empowering, and they had to find new and creative ways to carry their harvests. This led to the creation of the famous Kiondo basket made from the sisal plant.
In African culture, people have used art in practical ways, and the Calabash is a perfect example of this. My grandmother traditionally used it to store cow’s milk, and she would create a “womb” for the milk to turn into sour milk using bark from a tree This was all done without any formal education in chemistry.
Art continues to allow Africans to express themselves and communicate their experiences, ideas, and beliefs. Africans have a unique relationship with nature and the spiritual realm, and this relationship is evident in their art. Sometimes Africans create art without even realizing it, such as in the case of henna decorations and the use of red dye by the Maasai community. Africans are open to inspiration from anything and everything, allowing them to create amazing things out of necessity, boredom, or simply playful experimentation.
Africans remain true to their ancestral heritage by incorporating elements of the soil and earth into their artistic creations. Craftsmen make furniture from trees such as oak or mugumo, artists create paintings with embroidery patterns, and sculptors use materials such as plastic slippers, metal, and wood to make sculptures. As creatures of the earth, Africans have always integrated this aspect of their lives into everything they do, shaping their culture, beliefs, and way of life.
Art serves as a means for individuals to express themselves and find meaning in their lives, despite economic struggles. It provides an escape from harsh realities, a space for creativity and imagination, and a tool for empowerment. For local citizens in Africa, art can serve multiple purposes, such as cultural expression and showing pride in their heritage. Art adds beauty and personality to otherwise mundane environments, such as offices and homes.
It is important to acknowledge the significance and evolution of art in Africa, as it remains just as important now as it did in the past. Art continues to play a vital role in African culture and will continue to do so for generations to come.
