African traditional art holds an important position in African culture as art is not only viewed with aesthetic value but also as items that portray social, spiritual and communal values. The beauty of African art flows with every African cultural group, each having its unique artwork such as the Maasai beadwork to the Yoruba wood carving. Many of these artworks are associated with day-to-day life and are used in rites of passage, stories, spiritual practices and even wars. They showcase traditions inherited from centuries, reflecting the cultural clichés and memories of communities throughout the entire continent. Traditional African art should therefore not be taken at surface value but as a key to understanding the soul of African societies.
The diversity of traditional art forms
Traditional African art is rich in diversity, spanning numerous forms that reflect both the continent’s vast cultural heritage and the distinct materials available across regions.
Sculpture: Sculpture is the most easily recognisable art from Africa, using materials such as wood, stone, and metal. Wood is widely preferred because it is abundant and easily worked while metals like bronze and iron are seen in regions such as Benin, which is famous for its bronze casting. Sculptures typically take the form of masks or figures and are used in both everyday and sacred contexts.
Pottery: African pottery differs in form and use depending on the customs and the available materials. Hand-modelled vessels are typical for earthenware with rich and rather elaborate ornamentation. Areas like Sahel use pottery in household tasks including cooking and storage while in other communities, e.g. In Yoruba areas, pottery is used to provide offerings to gods.
Textiles: African textiles are characterised by bright colours and symbolic motifs. Kente, which is from Ghana, mud cloth of Mali and other fabrics are crafted by weavers who pass their techniques down through generations. These fabrics can represent the social class, whereby some pattern or colour can be designated only for a king, or a person of considerable importance in the community.
Beadwork: Beadwork is an ancient art in African culture. Beads are used to create necklaces, bracelets, and ceremonial garments. The colours and patterns used in beadwork hold deep cultural meanings, symbolising everything from social status to spiritual beliefs.
Cultural and symbolic significance: In most cultures of Africa, art cannot be completely separated from spirituality. Headdresses, figures, and amulets are some of the items used in religious practices to call on the spirits of ancestors or gods. In Nigeria, the Yoruba people make carved wooden dolls of the Orishas used in rituals. In African art, traditions of history and culture preservation and the practice of storytelling also have an important place. In textiles, sculptures, and beadwork, artists, therefore, include stories of historical incidences, proverbs, and certain truths.
Art in community life and economy: Most traditionally crafted artworks are achieved through teamwork. For instance, in many parts of the world specifically among the Bamileke of Cameroon, the pottery-making process would involve the whole population. Elders transfer knowledge to the juniors, ensuring the preservation of cultural knowledge. Such interaction not only emphasises the unity of a group but also safeguards the unique craftsmanship of each group, allowing traditional art forms to thrive. Traditional crafts also contribute significantly to local economies through trade, festivals, and tourism.
Conclusion: African traditional art remains a powerful vehicle of cultural, personal and spiritual significance that continues the legacy of millions of people. These works contain the spirit of African history and culture, transcending time and borders. Therefore, to come into existence, individuals and institutions must financially patronise traditional artisans and commit themselves to fostering the preservation of traditional artworks.
- Adedoyin is Chief Assistant Museum Education Officer, National Museum, Ile-Ife.
READ ALSO: How opposition parties can defeat Tinubu in 2027 – Primate Ayodele
