AFRICA AND EARLY HUMAN CULTURE

Africa and Early Human Culture Before 1000,000 B.C

Africa and Early Human Culture Before 1000,000 B.C.

Many cultures in the world are very unique and distinctive in thier own ways. From india and their temples, (Walker 2001)

to China and it's history of kingdoms, many cultures still embrace their history. African culture, like many others, also has its history and traditions which play an important role and helps guideline its cultural values and folklore. Its variations of religions, intriguing styles of music, formations of dances, food, and it's definite language, all make up the influence of this culture around the world. (Walker 2001)

The traditional art of Africa plays a major part in the African society. Most ceremonies and activities (such as singing, dancing, storytelling, ect.) can not function without visual art. It can also be used as an implement and insignia of rank or prestige, or have a religious significance.African art consists mainly of sculptures, paintings, fetishes, masks, figures, and decorative objects. (Vassberg 1976)

Sculptures are considered to be the greatest achievement for African art. A majority of the sculptures are done in wood but are also made of metal, stone, terra-cotta, mud, beadwork, ivory, and other materials. It is found in many parts of Africa but mainly in western and central Africa. Many ancient rock paintings have been found in Southern and Eastern Africa. These paintings are believed to be attributed to the SAN (Bushman) people. Masks and fetishes are often used to scare off bad things such as evil spirits, witches or ghosts. They are also used to bring about a desired end-break a bad habit, (Thompson 1977) improve ones love life, or kill a natural or supernatural enemy. There are three basic themes of African art. The first is the dualism between bush and village. African tribes ...