West Africa

Burkina Faso

19th–20th century

The tradition of carving and performing wooden masks is recent among the southern Bwa people in Burkina Faso.

Ghana

17th century–present

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The Asante kingdom, part of the larger Akan culture, was formed around 1700 under the leadership of Osei Tutu, and many of the art traditions continue today.

Guinea

19th–20th century

This regional artistic tradition dates to at least 1886 and possibly to the early seventeenth century.

Ivory Coast

19th–20th century

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The 400,000 Baule who live in central Côte d’Ivoire have a rich carving tradition.

Mali

13th century–present

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Mali is home to many diverse art traditions, from the terra cotta figures of Djenné to the photography of Seydou Keïta.

Nigeria

c. 15th century–present

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Nigeria is home to some of Africa's most well-known and revered art.

Republic of Benin

19th century

The Fon kingdom of Dahomey, founded in the early seventeenth century, was an important regional power renowned for its strong monarchy, military prowess, and impressive court arts.

Sierra Leone

15th–20th century

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This small coastal nation is home to numerous cultures and wildly diverse art traditions.

Senegal

3rd century B.C.E.–16th century C.E.

Well-known for its dances, sculpture, and contemporary street art, Senegal also played an important role in the Pan-Africanist movement in the 1960s.

Togo

20th century C.E.–present

Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, Togo is home to diverse artistic traditions, including the famous mud tower-houses in the northeast.