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The art of Africa

Central Africa

Masks, reliquaries, power figures and more.

16th–20th century C.E.

Beginner's guide

What is Central Africa?

About Central Africa

Nations

Cameroon

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Gabon

Gabon

All content | Central Africa

Beads, wood, fabric, and metal—all are used in the art of Central Africa.

Pageantry in the Palace—Bamum Kingdom, Cameroon

Pageantry in the Palace—Bamum Kingdom, Cameroon

Punu-Lumbo mask, from Gabon

Punu-Lumbo mask, from Gabon

Kota reliquary (mbulu ngulu)

Kota reliquary (mbulu ngulu)

About Central Africa

About Central Africa

Figurative Harp <em>(Domu)</em> (Mangbetu peoples)

Figurative Harp (Domu) (Mangbetu peoples)

Buli Master, possibly Ngongo ya Chintu, Prestige Stool: Female Caryatid (Luba or Hemba peoples)

Buli Master, possibly Ngongo ya Chintu, Prestige Stool: Female Caryatid (Luba or Hemba peoples)

Double Prestige Panel (Kuba peoples)

Double Prestige Panel (Kuba peoples)

Crucifix (Kongo peoples)

Crucifix (Kongo peoples)

Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang peoples)

Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang peoples)

Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel (Cameroon Grasslands peoples)

Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel (Cameroon Grasslands peoples)

Figure of a Chief (Lefem) (Bangwa)

Figure of a Chief (Lefem) (Bangwa)

Seated Figure (Tumba) (Kongo peoples)

Seated Figure (Tumba) (Kongo peoples)

Selected Contributors

Roger D. Arnold

Dr. Christa Clarke

Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch

Dr. Beth Harris

Dr. Shawnya L. Harris

Dr. Steven Zucker

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Minneapolis Institute of Art

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