Djenné, the oldest known city in sub-Saharan Africa is situated on the floodlands of the Niger and Bani rivers, 354 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Timbuktu. Founded by merchants around 800 AD (near the site of an older city dating from 250BC), Djenné flourished as a meeting place for traders from the deserts of Sudan and the tropical forests of Guinea. Captured by the Songhai emperor Sonni 'Ali in 1468, it developed into Mali's most important trading center during the 16th century. The city thrived because of its direct connection by river with Timbuktu and from its situation at the head of trade routes leading to gold and salt mines. Between 1591 and 1780, Djenné was controlled by Moroccan kings and during these years its markets further expanded, featuring products from throughout the vast regions of North and Central Africa. In 1861 the city was conquered by the Tukulor emperor al-Hajj 'Umar and was then occupied by the French in 1893. Thereafter, its commercial functions were taken over by the town of Mopti, which is situated at the confluence of the Niger and Bani rivers, 90 kilometers to the northeast. Djenné is now an agricultural trade center, of diminished importance, with several beautiful examples of Muslim architecture, including its Great Mosque. .
In addition to its commercial importance, Djenné, was also known as a center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage, attracting students and pilgrims from all over West Africa. The large market square of Djenné is dominated by its Great Mosque. Tradition has it that the first mosque was built in 1240 by the sultan Koi Kunboro, who converted to Islam and turned his palace into a mosque. Very little is known about the appearance of the first mosque, but it was considered too sumptuous by Sheikh Amadou, the ruler of Djenné in the early nineteenth century. The Sheikh built a second mosque in the 1830's and allowed the first one to fall into disrepair.
Kimberly Murray 01134854 African Art The traditional art of Africa plays a major part in the African society. ... There are three basic themes of African art. ... For each region in Africa, there is a different style of Art. ... African art is traditionally essential and optimistic. Without art, there would be no African culture....
AFRICA ART Since the beginning Africa Art has played in integral part in American history. There are a variety of Africa art. ... Moreover, most African art is made of wood. ... There are many highlights to Africa art. ... Also, another highlight of African art is the mask. ...
The SASA was indeed crucial in the beginning of the South African National Gallery, during which it promoted art appreciation and education of the arts. ... These two rejected the mixed South African-European arts and artists, and in its place, they drove and returned the art form directly back to its home. ... The impact that South African art left on the world can be pointed out within several aspects. New and modern abstract artists seek out old South African art for influence on their own creativity whenever necessary. ... It is never ending and South African art has furthermore changed an...
Africans have inspired many people to change their way of thinking about art. ... Many artist use African art as an inspiration to create their own works of art. African art has opened the door for many other forms of art from many other cultures. ... The art of African cultures have been blended seamlessly into many western forms of art. ... Even African art has been somewhat inspired by other cultures. ...
African Art The history of African Art is a complex and controversial topic. ... Rock art displays many similarities between cultures, but also you can see that different African regions have distinct styles. ... There seems to be a misconception by historians and other observers when the origins of African art are concerned. ... It seems more probable that the symbols used in African art were found much earlier than the cave paintings. ... The art of Eastern Africa is centrally based around distinguishing the dead. ...
Africa is a rich continent that has for centuries provided the world with art, culture, labor, wealth and natural resources. ... Africa is large, complex, and diverse. ... Today, almost all of Africa is ruled by Africans. ... Their achievements have been significant in such fields as art, agriculture, politics, economics, and, above all, education, both in Nigeria and on the African continent. ... Most of the worlds art is court art, and that of Igbo-Ukwo, of course is no exception. ...
Alfred Gell explains art in almost a mathematical like formula which helps art lovers better understand the emotions art produces. ... Using this concept I analyze African Art differently. With African art such as Egyptian paintings, I often become abducted, or in trolled by the art piece. ... Many people in Africa practice religions such as voodoo and witchcraft. ... Art is powerful. ...
Buddhist art is also an art form that concentrates mostly around gods and goddesses. ... As I walked into the next room, I remembered recognizing similarities between the African art and the art of Mayan, Incan, and Peruvian people. ... The one work of art in the African collection that stood out to me was a mask (Bwoom) from the Kabu people of the Bushoong clan of Zaire. ... I think that I liked this the most because of its large size and the detail in it, since a vast majority of African art are figures made of dark and smooth wood, and do not have much variety in materials used. I notic...
During the period of pre-colonization Africa was a nation thriving with rich cultures, including African philosophy and art, and a leading pioneer in the field of commerce. ... Also, Art plays an important role in traditional African culture and society. ... Smaller communities developed metal-working technology that developed into fine art. ... Traditional African art has an in-depth meaning and invokes one to see and appreciate the values of order and life with a clear and fresh eye sight. ... Africa was a land thriving on rich cultures, philosophy, art and commerce. ...
However, American Art has its place too in the importance and history of art culture. ... However it is important that American art be seen as influential as European art within the art culture. ... The art lights illuminate the featured paintings and art pieces so that they may take center stage. ... Depicting the importance of the African American subject of slavery, Winslow Homer's The Cotton Pickers, 1876 is a distinctive oil painting within this exhibit. ... It is my belief that art imitates life. ...
