African Art

Question 1

Where is the artist of the painting above originally from?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Julie Mehretu is originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She later moved to the United States, but she was born in Ethiopia.

Question 2

How is art used in African initiation rituals?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Art such as masks and sculptures is used to educate initiates, represent spirits, and mark the transition to adulthood.

Question 3

What do the artist’s modern art forms and colors represent in the image above?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

movement and change, not only in her own life, but in the life of the African people

Question 4

What would be a good occasion to give a biiga doll?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

To a young woman or new bride hoping to have children (for fertility and protection).

Question 5

What do the patterns on the wall panels seen above symbolize?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

The potential and vigor of the person being initiated.

Question 6

What do individuals from the Ivory Coast believe about the spirit world?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

They believe that the spirits of their ancestors watch over and protect them.

Question 7

What African method of demonstrating status can be seen in the image above?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

the dress of the king

Question 8

In the bwami system of the Lega people, what did the masks do?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

They taught lessons and represented moral values or proverbs.

Question 9

How is death viewed in African culture?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

a transition process in which loved ones go from one world to the next

African Art Answers