What characteristic feature appears in Nok sculptures?
These artifacts are mostly terracotta sculptures of human heads, human figures, and animals. One of the identifying characteristics of Nok sculptures is the triangular or oval-shaped eyes on human faces. Human figures also often have elaborate hair styles.
Which was not a key function of art in Sub Saharan Africa?
What was NOT a key function of art in sub-Saharan Africa? It provided a physical form for spirits in the afterlife. Many symbols in the art of Benin reflect the belief that the oba______________________.
What did the Nok heads represent?
The heads of Nok terracottas are invariably proportionally large relative to the bodies, and while not enough is known of Nok culture to explain this apparent imbalance, it is interesting to note that a similar emphasis of the head in later African art traditions often signifies respect for intelligence.
What are the common artistic features of Nok figures and heads?
Perforated ears, mouths, triangular shaped eyes with pierced pupils are some of the typical stylistic features of the Nok heads. Distinctive hairstyles, the use of ornaments and jewels, variety of beauty in the design provides an enthralling record of body decoration and adornment in the Nok culture.
What do African sculptures represent?
In general, African sculpture represents human form, occasionally animal or both, and may be spiritual in nature.
What is the oldest art in Africa?
The oldest dated rock art in Africa was discovered in the Apollo 11 Cave in the Huns Mountains in south-western Namibia. Seven grey-brown quartzite slabs, each smaller than an adult hand, were found with images drawn in charcoal and ochre during excavations in the cave in 1969 by German archaeologist W.E. Wendt.
What does Nok art represent?
Her work has appeared in scholarly publications such as Archaeology Online and Science. Nok art refers to huge human, animal, and other figures made out of terracotta pottery, made by the Nok culture and found throughout Nigeria.
Why are the terracotta Nok heads of western Sudan considered significant?
Famous for the distinctive terracotta sculptures of human heads and figures, Nok was the first known culture in West Africa to produce such art and perhaps the first sub-Saharan culture to perfect iron-smelting technology.
What does a sculpture represent?
Sculptures represent many aspects of our society and are thus excellent for symbolism. Take an example of the statues used to portray wild animals, or those used to depict people's ways of lives. These objects serve as a reminder of what was, what is and what could be and are thus crucial in our lives.
What are the primary themes expressed in African sculpture?
African art often stems from the themes of religious symbolism, functionalism and utilitarianism, and many pieces of art are created for spiritual rather than purely creative purposes.
Why is Africa called the Dark continent?
Africa was known as the “Dark Continent” because it remained unexplored for a fairly long period of time. Factors that made is difficult for the explorer to venture in to the continent of africa were: The largest desert in the world, the Sahara Desert acted as a natural barrier for the European explorers.
What kind of sculpture is meant to be viewed only from the front?
Relief sculpture is meant to be seen from only one side and it can be low relief or high relief.
How did the Nok of Nigeria represent their art?
Nok Terracottas Artistic conventions recognized as Nok art by scholars include geometric indications of eyes and eyebrows with perforations for pupils and detailed treatment of heads, noses, nostrils, and mouths.
What do the terracotta and clay figurines represent?
Over 4,500 terracotta figurines spanning some 800 years, from the 7th century B.C. to the 1st century of the Christian era, were recovered from the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone at Cyrene (Fig. 1). Individually, they represent innumerable acts of piety motivated by the need to supplicate or to express gratitude.
What are the main object of the sculpture?
The two most important elements of sculpture—mass and space—are, of course, separable only in thought. All sculpture is made of a material substance that has mass and exists in three-dimensional space. The mass of sculpture is thus the solid, material, space-occupying bulk that is contained within its surfaces.
What is the purpose of sculpture in Egyptian era?
In considering the clear sculptural qualities of Late period work one should never overlook the primary purpose of most Egyptian sculpture: to represent the individual in death before Osiris, or in life and death before the deities of the great temples.
Why are sculptures important in African culture?
Figure sculptures are occasionally used for this purpose as well. Second, African art serves to facilitate communication between people and supernatural forces and beings. Objects made to fulfill this function are chiefly in the form of human or animal figures.
Who named Africa Africa?
One of the most popular suggestions for the origins of the term 'Africa' is that it is derived from the Roman name for a tribe living in the northern reaches of Tunisia, believed to possibly be the Berber people. The Romans variously named these people 'Afri', 'Afer' and 'Ifir'.
What was Africa called before Africa?
Alkebulan. According to experts that research the history of the African continent, the original ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. This name translates to “mother of mankind,” or according to other sources, “the garden of Eden.” Alkebulan is an extremely old word, and its origins are indigenous.
When can a sculpture be seen from all sides?
Sculpture in the round is a piece of art you make that is three dimensional, or 3D. That means you can see it from all sides, and you can walk all the way around it. If you think about a painting hanging on a wall, then you know you can only see the front. The back of it is usually against a wall or stand.
What sculptures are meant to be viewed from all sides?
Sculpture that is meant to be viewed from all sides is called sculpture in the round, or freestanding. Sculpture that is not freestanding but projects from a background surface is called relief sculpture. There are four main ways to make sculpture: it can be carved, cast, modeled, or constructed.
What do archaeologists believe was the significance of Nok sculptures?
Some archaeologists believe that Nok terracotta sculptures signify that the Nok were an advanced society.
Which culture is known for its terracotta sculptures in the form of human heads?
The Nok culture The Nok culture produced sculptures of human heads and figures of humans and animals in terracotta, the earliest such sculpture produced in sub-Saharan Africa. Near life-size terracotta heads were often part of a fuller figure but this portion has usually been lost.
What were terracotta figurines used for?
Fragments and complete pieces found in the course of archaeological excavations form the primary basis for our understanding of how the figurines were used. They stood in houses as mere decorations, or served as cult images in small house shrines; some of them functioned as charms to ward off evil.
What do sculptures symbolize?
Sculptures represent many aspects of our society and are thus excellent for symbolism. Take an example of the statues used to portray wild animals, or those used to depict people's ways of lives. These objects serve as a reminder of what was, what is and what could be and are thus crucial in our lives.
What is the significance of sculpture?
Overall, the central purpose of sculptures and all works of art is to send a message. Artists create sculptures to express ideas, convey religious beliefs, and tell the story of significant figures in history and even mythological adventures.
Why were sculptures of the pharaoh created?
Much of the artwork created by the Ancient Egyptians had to do with their religion. They would fill the tombs of the Pharaohs with paintings and sculptures. Much of this artwork was there to help the Pharaohs in the afterlife.
Why was it important to have a sculpture of the deceased in the tomb?
Egyptian tomb art was known to be the point of contact between the dead and the living. Egyptians believed that some of the images, painting, or carvings that they created in tombs would come to life and accompany the mummified deceased into the afterlife.
What is the primary purpose of much African art?
Many African artworks were (and continue to be) created to serve a social, religious, or political function. In its original setting, an artifact may have different uses and embody a variety of meanings. These uses may change over time.
Is Africa the oldest continent?
Africa is sometimes nicknamed the "Mother Continent" due to its being the oldest inhabited continent on Earth. Humans and human ancestors have lived in Africa for more than 5 million years.