African Art has an origin long before history was recorded.

Think of the Egyptian Pharaohs and their obsession with tombs and head gear. How they used color to bring forth a message or inner beliefs. The southern tribes of Africa also played a essential role in art, depicting their day to day life on rock canvases. This genre comprises the most prolific talent of humanity, on planet. The art is notably generalized as African Art but there are many distinctive cultures and societies on the African continent that affords us with rich distinctiveness, and an abundance of artistic themes. But, despite having a diverse art form, there are some amalgamating trends when we look at the visual culture of this continent.

One of the most fashioned is the human figure or human body. The way a figure is created would be totally up to the artist’s impression of such. Things like religion, ancestry, life experience or animals, would bear witness to a lot of themes. It is consequently not unusual to use a creature and a human in one singular piece of art. Like for instance a human figure entwined with a god-like figure, creating a mythical creature of sorts. Their fine art is also captured in ceremonial events and in the performance art. Because of this, consideration to minute detail is given, to craft the illusion of a living being. Ceremonial textiles are woven or decorated in such a way that the wearer becomes the sculpture or spirit.

Of course, the most important aspect of African Art is when it is used in spiritual events. Masks are created depicting deities or animals or mythical creatures. These African masks are worn with a specialized aim in mind. The performance genre is also extensively used to construct art, whereby the artist will weave or paint a costume that when worn by the dancer, will change them into a spiritual being or an ancestor.