What are the 2 most common forms of African wood carvings?

The two most common forms of African wood carvings are figures and masks.

What is the significance of wood carvings in Africa?

Traditional or tribal African sculpture typically may be religious or spiritual in nature, be carved from wood, dealing primarily with the human form (and sometimes animal or mythical) and shows a creative spirit and skill that exhibits good balance, craftsmanship, attention to detail and finish and an essence of …

What wood is used for African carvings?

Wood is the Africans most favourite material or medium for sculpture. Hard, termite-resistant woods are preferred for sculpture, Iroko wood (chlorophora excelsa), Mahogany and Ebony varieties which are suitable for extremely delicate carving.

Which African people are known for creating wooden statues?

Yoruba Sculpture There is a vast difference between the ancient art of the Yorubas and their present-day work. Modern Yoruba art consists chiefly of wooden figures and masks.

What do African sculptures represent?

In general, African sculpture represents human form, occasionally animal or both, and may be spiritual in nature.

What was the most common material used in African art?

wood
Sculpture and associated arts. Although wood is the best-known medium of African sculpture, many others are employed: copper alloys, iron, ivory, pottery, unfired clay, and, infrequently, stone.

What type of wood is used for African masks?

Although several types of wood are used to carve masks and figures, most masks throughout the region are carved from the wood of the Ceiba pentandra (Linn.) Gaertn., which is called “cotton tree”,”silk-cotton tree”, or “ceiba”. The wood is fairly soft and fine-grained, like pine, so it is easy to carve.

How do you preserve ebony wood?

Put a few drops of linseed oil or petroleum jelly on a dry cloth. Rub the oil or jelly over the carving to polish it and prevent it from drying out. If using jelly, wait about 30 minutes after applying it to the carving, then buff it off with a dry cloth.

What is the oldest artwork produced in Africa?

Two tiny pieces of engraved ochre are the oldest works of art ever discovered, scientists say, showing the artist in mankind was awakened, in Africa at least 77,000 years ago.

What are some characteristics of African sculpture?

African Art has many characteristics, some of which include creative expressionism over realism, the prevalence of images and sculpture of the human figure, larger focus on sculpture rather than painting, abstract themes and representations, melding visual and performance arts (such as in the case of masks), and non- …

What makes African art unique?

Often depicting the abundance of surrounding nature, the art was often abstract interpretations of animals, plant life, or natural designs and shapes. More complex methods of producing art were first introduced to Sub-Saharan Africa around the 13th century, along with the spread of Islam.