African Art

African art comes from the many cultures across the continent of Africa. It includes masks, sculptures, paintings, and textiles. African art is often bold and colorful. It can show people, animals, or spiritual ideas. African art has influenced artists all around the world.

African Masks and Sculptures

African masks are some of the most famous art in the world. They are carved from wood and decorated with paint, beads, or fabric. Masks are worn during ceremonies and dances. Each mask has a special meaning. African sculptures are often carved from wood or cast in bronze.

Textiles and Patterns

Africa has many beautiful textile traditions. Kente cloth from Ghana has bright, colorful strips. Mud cloth from Mali uses natural dyes. Ankara prints are bold and patterned. These textiles are worn as clothing and used as decoration. Each pattern can tell a story or have a meaning.

Fun Facts

• Kente cloth from Ghana is woven in colorful strips and each color has a special meaning.
• The Benin Bronzes are famous metal sculptures from Nigeria that are over 500 years old.
• Pablo Picasso was inspired by African masks when he created his new style of art.

Did You Know?

African masks inspired Pablo Picasso to create Cubism, one of the most important art movements of the 1900s!