What is Traditional African Art ?​

• Amongst the best-known examples of traditional African art are the striking masks produced by many cultures across the continent​

• Traditional African Art combines stone, wood, clay, iron, brass, gold and other materials.​

• They are made up of wood sculptures.​

• Examples are Masks,  Statues, Paintings and Fabrics.​

• African stone art is the earliest form of traditional African ART​

Dabous Giraffe Rock ART​

• Dabous Giraffe Rock ART was made by French Archaeologist Christian Dupuy.​

• The earliest known Stone Art is a carving of giraffe found in Dabous, Niger, which dates back to 6500 BCE.  This is the largest animal petroglyph in the world. ​

Traditional Wooden Art

Wood was used to make expression masks, figures, doors, and ornaments. In ceremonies, the carvings are used to represent animals, loved ones, and important cultural figures. The first wood carver was Adam. Traditional wooden art was created 10,000 years ago

DAN MASK

Dan masks are carved in wood and stained with a brown dye. Dan masks are sacred objects. Dan masks are used for protection and as a channel for communication with the spirit world. The Dan also carry small 'passport masks' for personal protection when they are living away from home.

Ghanaian mask

The Ghanaian mask made dancers look more exciting it were used to entertain people and they played a major role in arousing the interest of the audience.