This page is a record of an exhibit that took place in 2004. The individual links below will take you to the CURRENT VERSION of the pages that formed part of that exhibit. |
We recommend African Warriors by Thomasin Magor (Abrams). We have copies for sale at $40.
In traditional Africa, helmets were used not only as protection, but also to show status or rank. They can be carved from wood or woven and embellished with horns, symbolic forms, cloth, cowries and beads.
In traditional Africa, shields were used not only as defensive weapons, but also as decorative or ritual objects filled with symbolic meaning. They can be carved from wood, woven, made from a variety of hides and even metal.
Knives, axes, currency blades and spears, most made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the blacksmiths of many traditional African peoples. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary. Some functioned as weapons. Many , however, were solely for ceremonial or ritual use, or displayed for prestige or status. The largest selections also served as currency, with forms made in the style of weapons, but not functional.
Fetishes were protective figures used by individuals, families, or whole communities to destroy or weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, solemnize contracts or oath-taking, and decide arguments. A diviner or holy person would activate the statue, using magical substances. Fetishes gained power and were effective because people believed in them.
Small Nkondi figures were family owned and were used to protect the home, larger ones would protect an entire village. Covered with bags of magical herbs and studded with blades and nails, which, when driven in, activated its spiritual power. The mirror on the abdomen covers a filled cavity and reflected back evil spirits.
These forged iron figures exhibit the technical skill and artistry that Bamana blacksmiths brought to their work. They would do the smelting to get the iron from iron ore, then heat and hammer out both the tools and weapons used and the important ritual objects.
Bronze pieces from the Benin kingdom are known the world over. Almost all their art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years. Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces. Each is still sculpted by hand, then cast in bronze by the lost wax process. Figures that do not depict the king show members of his court.
The extraordinary bronzes of the Benin kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibit a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world since they were visited in the 15th Century. Their work was brought to Europe following a punitive expedition by the British in 1897, causing a great sensation. The people of Benin, called Bini, are descended from the Ife, also known for their remarkable bronzes. Almost all Benin art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years. Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces. Each is still sculpted by hand, then cast in bronze by the lost wax process.
The plaques were mounted on the walls of the Oba's Palace and record the history of the Benin kingdom. Most depict the king or warrior chiefs. Cast pieces are copper alloys, bronze (copper and tin) or brass (copper and zinc). The alloys are not always pure and pieces historically labelled "bronzes", often are not.
Bronze pieces from the Benin kingdom are known the world over. Almost all their art was created to honor the king , or Oba, who has reigned, with his ancestors, from the 15th century. Styles have changed over the years. Although similar to many older works, these are all 20th C. pieces. Figures that do not depict the king show members of his court. These two horsemen are very similar, as are many examples of traditional art, but each was still sculpted by hand, then cast in bronze by the lost wax process.
These cast equestrian figures express status, prestige and power. They would bring honor to the ancestors, the current leadership and the owner of the sculpture. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali. Most carry a spear or sword as a warrior, some would depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.
These wood equestrian figures also express status, prestige and power. like the smaller metal figures, they would bring honor to the ancestors, the current leadership and the owner of the sculpture. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali. Most carry a spear or sword as a warrior, some would depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.
Asofo = "war people". These appliqued patchwork banners combine the tradition of communication by proverb with military pomp and display. Flags would be created for the installation of a new captain of a local militia company and would be displayed at festivals and funerals. Each unique flag would either depict an historical event, identify the company with an animal or image of power, or depict a proverb to boast, taunt or threaten other companies. The British flag was used until 1957, since then the flag of Ghana is often substituted. The reverse side is appliqued with the same image, usually matching very closely, less so with lettering and parts of no. 14. Note the variety of interpretations of the British flag.
Figures made of forged iron were displayed in royal compounds to affirm kingly power. They usually depicted a king or warriors with related motifs.
The Guere, neighbors of the Dan, make masks for similar purposes but usually of a form that is more frightening or scary than Dan masks. They are used for rituals, education and social control and to appear frightening to enemies.
These figures, Ikenga, are placed in shrines honoring ancestors and spirits. They depict figures of strength, accomplishment and power. Many depict horned warriors holding a head trophy in their hand.
These cast equestrian figures, excavated in Chad, were cast by the Kotoko, descendants of the Sao (who disappeared in the 16th C.) They are small, ranging up to 3" in height.
African spears, all made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the Kuba and related peoples of central Africa. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary. I am using the designation Kuba generically. Specialists in the field will identify these pieces much more specifically and accurately.
African speartips, all made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the Kuba and related peoples of central Africa. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary. I am using the designation Kuba generically. Specialists in the field will identify these pieces much more specifically and accurately.
Figures were placed on altars in shrines or displayed at special ceremonies. Leaders and ancestors were often displayed on horseback to support their status as great warriors or leaders. several are depicted in colonial wear.
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