African Art

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the importance of understanding the African culture which underlies art forms from Africa. The author points out that these masks are dedicated to appeasing the potentially powerful and destructive force of women, addressing male anxiety about female power. The paper provides a historic and thematic overview of Efe and the way these masks were used in the spectacle.

From the Paper:

"A Yoruba proverb says, "What follows six is more than seven. (Ohun tio wa leyin Offa o ju Oje lo)." The proverb suggests that we must look beyond what is easily observed if we are to understand something. Relating it to the study of African, art we must try to understand an artwork in its cultural depth as the expression of the local thought or belief systems lest we unwittingly remove the African in African art. Abiodun African art has a special sense ..."

More papers on African Art:

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• Essay # 63371 : "Japanese and African Art"

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