Explore "Africa: The Art of the Continent," then visit KERMA, "black Africa's oldest civilization."   Here is an interesting site on how to authenticate ancient African art.

For backgrund information on medieval Africa, read the travels of Ibn Battuta.  Examine this amazing travel site on Ethiopian rock art and early Christian art.  

TERRA COTTA, SCARIFICATION, IDEALIZED, OBA, IYOBA, BRONZE CASTING

a. Discuss the core beliefs and practices that are evident in the art of many African peoples.  See page 393.
b. Consider the issues of the role of art in Africa and the chronology problem discussed in the inset on page 395.
c. Compare the style, materials, and possible purpose of the Nok head and the Queen Mother Mask from Benin.  See the discussion on pages 396-397 and page 402.
d. What is the artistic importance of Great Zimbabwe?  See pages 401-402.

a.  Nok head from Rafin-Kura, Page 396.
b.  Archer from Djenne, Mali, Page 399.
c.  King, from Ife, Page 398.

d.  Ivory belt mask of a Queen Mother from Benin, Page 402.

e.  Beta Giorghis, Lalibela.  Page 400.

a. Tour the National Museum of African Art at the Smithsonian Institution

b. Learn about the ancient culture of Great Zimbabwe.

c. Explore tribal African art, Benin style.

d. Tour African collection in Detroit

e.  An exhibit from Bayly Art Museum of the University of Virginia on the art of the African Mask.

f.  Here's a beautiful exhibition from the Metropolitan Museum of Art entitled "Genesis:  Ideas of Origin in African Sculpture."  Be sure to look through all parts of this special exhibit!


g.  Although a commercial gallery site, this gallery "Authentic Africa" offers extraordinary objects from a wide range of masks, jewelry, and sculpture.  Well worth the look!