
Dr. Christa Clarke

What kinds of cultural biases have shaped African collections in Western museums?

The artistic enhancement of functional objects can reflect and reinforce an individual’s social status.
Art and the individual

In transitional periods, art objects are often employed to assist rites of passage and reinforce community values.
Rites of passage

Art has always played a role in African politics—both in large kingdoms and smaller, village-based societies.
Art and politics

In addition to local indigenous religions, Christianity and Islam are also practiced throughout Africa.
Religion and the Spiritual Realm

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Magdalene Odundo, Untitled (Vessel)
![Seydou Keïta, Untitled [Seated Woman with Chevron Print Dress], 1956, printed 1997, Mali, Bamako, gelatin silver print, 60.96 x 50.8 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/screen-shot-2016-10-15-at-8-42-48-am-524x350.png)
Studio photography produced mementos for the growing middle class: Keïta’s Bamako studio was abuzz with clients.
Seydou Keïta, Untitled (Seated Woman with Chevron ...

This 15th century manuscript is based on Egyptian Coptic sources, but its creators imbued it with local flair.
Illuminated Gospel

These decorated aprons were gifts from the groom’s family to his wife, and signified her new role in society.
Married Woman’s Apron (Ndebele peoples)

European patrons encouraged artists to include human forms on objects that were previously nonfigurative.
Figurative Harp (Domu) (Mangbetu peoples)

This stool reminds the king to thank his mother for his power, and is so important that it has its own bodyguard.
Buli Master, possibly Ngongo ya Chintu, Prestige ...

Though many raffia textiles were made as garments for and by both men and women, this one was intended for display.
Double Prestige Panel (Kuba peoples)

During its brief fling with Christianity, the Kongo kingdom merged western iconography with local aesthetics.
Crucifix (Kongo peoples)

The Fang peoples commemorated their ancestors with carved reliquary figures that they honored with offerings.
Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang ...

Lavishly decorated with expensive materials for the chief’s exclusive use, this isn’t your average wine bottle.
Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel (Cameroon Grasslands peoples)

While its itsy bitsy American counterpart climbed up the waterspout, the spider shown here brought wisdom to Ghana.
Linguist Staff (Okyeamepoma) (Asante peoples)

This intricate ivory mask symbolizes the king’s dual nature as human and divine—and honors his mother.
Queen Mother Pendant Mask (Iyoba) (Edo peoples)

Symbols for the Fon kings, which were determined in a divination ceremony, supported and enhanced his authority.
Buffalo (Bocio) (Fon peoples)

Since the 16th century, Akan women potters have created ceramic heads to serve as the focus of funerary rituals.
Memorial Head (Akan peoples)

Many forms of African art are characterized by visual abstraction or departure from representational accuracy.