European patrons encouraged artists to include human forms on objects that were previously nonfigurative.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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)
Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, the Luba had invented their own handheld memory device.
Lukasa (Memory Board) (Luba peoples)
This mask was made and worn by men, but its purpose is to honor women who have bravely survived childbirth.
Female (pwo) Mask
The king did not sit for this portrait; in fact, the artist carved it without directly observing his subject.
Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul ...
These fascinating spiritual figures became prime targets for the ire of Christian missionaries in the 19th century.