The art of Africa

Central Africa

Masks, reliquaries, power figures and more.

16th - 20th century

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.

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)

<em>Lukasa</em> (Memory Board) (Luba peoples)

Lukasa (Memory Board) (Luba peoples)

Elephant Mask (Bamileke Peoples)

Elephant Mask (Bamileke Peoples)

Female <em>(pwo)</em> Mask

Female (pwo) Mask

Female Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video

Female Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video

Selected Contributors

Roger D. Arnold

Dr. Christa Clarke

Dr. Shawnya L. Harris