African Folk Art
Inspired Tradition

African folk art reflects both practical and everyday needs. At the same time, it includes the larger community and spiritual concerns.

Folk art found in Africa includes: baskets, masks, dolls, woodcarvings, fertility dolls, ritual objects as well as ethnic and tribal jewelry.

Beautiful and practical African folk art is an interesting sub-genre that connects us spiritually with the vibrant traditions of African culture.

Unlikely Materials Become Art

Forging metal in Africa produces objects with many functions and meanings and is almost regarded as a magical, transormative process. Ceremonial pieces with practical purposes were exchanged during the course of significant social transactions such as marriage.

Another folk art object is pottery, which can be found all over the African continent for functional and ritual use. Pottery and baskets were essential for carrying and storing food and water.

Textiles were traditionally used to create visually delightful ceremonial panels. Among the most complex of African textiles is the colorful, strip-woven Kente cloth of Ghana. Boldly patterned mudcloth is another well known technique.

Utilitarian, symbolic and decorative, all folk art from Africa has high cultural and traditional significance. I invite you to explore more by clicking on the menu bar buttons to the left. Let the beauty of Africa's art transform your world!

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Everyday Needs Artistically Met

Whether a dramatic mask to be used in a village ceremony or an intricate basket for household goods, folk art endures as an innovative and complex artistic statement.

An African tribal mask may be used to teach young people an important lesson or chase away evil spirits. A basket is used to carry grain or other goods, while a walking stick functions both as a tool and ornament. Decorations may include:

• ivory
• animal hair
• plant fibers (such as raffia)
• pigments (like kaolin)
• stones
• semi-precious gems
• cowrie shells
• metal studs

Women will weave baskets as gifts for others, working hard to create a basket that mirrors their personality or reflects their family's homeland.

Other examples of caring and sharing are the intricate carved walking sticks that many men use daily. Carving a stick for someone else is a sign of true brotherhood and appreciation.

Spiritual And Practical Purposes

Another common type of folk art found in Africa is one with religious or spiritual purposes. Some villages carve traditional icons such as an iron fertility goddess to bless new marriages. Or they create a drum for the village to relay its spiritual beliefs.

As today's global community becomes more connected, more people are collecting art from around the world. The continent of Africa and its talented artists are finally receiving their due. Art from Africa is creating a buzz!

Now it's your turn to find out what all the fuss is about. Browse my African art for sale page to purchase your own, unique piece of original art. Discover the seductive and captivating world of African art.

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