African Art

The pure, luminescent mother of pearl has attracted attention for thousands of years. It is made out of the internal shells of mollusks, such as mussels and oysters. Mother of Pearl is commonly found in Egypt, Polynesia and the Philippines, where people from all over the world have traveled to bring it back to their own countries. Royalty from all over the world would use mother of pearl to build palaces and shrines. There are several different kinds of mother of pearl that are all used in the artwork at New African American Store. There is white mother of pearl, which is from pearl-bearing oysters, and which has the highest reflective properties. Iridescent mother of pearl is a type in which the colors of pink and green are predominant. Stone mother of pearl is sturdier, and white with lower reflective properties. No matter which mother of pearl artifact you choose to own, you can be assured that it is something that will provide you years of enjoyment to come!

This is a beautiful piece of African or Egyption art that you can add to your African American Art Decor.

Banana leaf artwork has been constant in African art for centuries. Native to Kenya, banana leaf art is composed of tiny slices of banana leaves that are cut and pasted or woven together. The banana leaves are sometimes dyed to create a more dimensional or realistic effect. You can also find banana leaf sculptures which are made by weaving together thin slices of the banana leaves, forming and pasting them together to create a completely new style of art. This is a very time-consuming process and is very hard to accomplish without flaws or breaking the sculpture. When the artwork is finished it becomes a gorgeous focal point that has become extremely popular in the last few years.

See more beautiful African Wall Art, pick the one that fits your decor the best.

The Marka people, also known as the Warka, belong to the Soninke people whose settlements date back as far as 750 AD in Ghana. Conflicts with the Berbers compelled the Soninke to disperse into neighboring regions. The Marka people now occupy the northern part of Mali or Guinea. Marka ceremonial masks are generally characterized by elongated faces, long angular noses, and metal plaque work. Masks are carefully etched with hundreds of precise circular markings.  They are a beautiful African Wall Art, hand carved Fang Mask, made in Ghana.

The Marka used these masks for circumcision ceremonies and when circumcised men advanced up the social ladder. They were also used in fishing and farming related ceremonies.

Artists, the most famous being Picasso, have used Marka masks impressions in their abstract works.

 Inhabiting the southeast of Tanzania and the northeast of Mozambique are nearly 500,000 Makonde (pronounced mah-CONE-day), divided into matrilineal clans, each one comprising several villages.  Decisions are made by a chief supported by a council.  Clan members only meet for the ancestral cult and to celebrate initiations of the adolescents into adulthood.

This is where masks play an important part in the Makonde culture.

The most important carving used in initiation ceremonies was the lipiko (or mapiko) mask, which was worn over the top of the head, tilted back so the wearer could look out through the mouth.  The masks often represent ancestral spirits, or occasionally animals. It was believed that the ancestors came back masked in order to express their joy at the successful achievement of initiation. Their presence is believed to be proof of the close bonds that exist between the living and the dead. During initiation ceremonies an orchestra of drummers accompanies a group of dancers wearing the masks.

The faces of the masks are often scarified.  The Makonde are known for scarification of the body originally to prevent being taken as slaves.  While this is no longer practiced many of the older people among the Makonde still bear the markings on their face and bodies. 

Here is some other African Wall Art from Tanzania.  Shadow Box Art, African Beaded Mask made in Tanzania south

In African culture the ability to think instead of reacting is essential for the role of Kingship. This is why the thinker statue has become so popular in African artwork. Taken from the famous Auguste Rodin sculpture, The Thinker is depicted as a man in sober meditation battling with a powerful internal struggle. The unique pose with hand to the chin, right elbow to the left knee, and crouching position allows the statue to survey the work with a contemplative attitude.  The Thinker Statue is a beautiful and authentic piece of African Decor.

The Symbolism of Animals in Africa

In Africa, the use of animals in artwork isn’t merely for show. Each animal has a specific meaning to the artist, and certain animals signify certain character qualities. This is why you will see so many carvings of animals, or evenanimals embroidered onto African clothing.

What Do Animals Symbolize in African Art?

The Lion - The lion is an emblem for royalty, strength, conquest, valor, pride, wisdom, authority, courage and protection. The lioness represents the moon, femininity and fierce motherhood.

The Leopard - The leopard signifies ferocity, aggression, the Great Watcher, and courage.

The Elephant - The elephant signifies strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, longevity, and happiness. This is a large symbol of good luck, especially when the elephant’s trunk is pointed up. The elephant represents status and power since royalty used to ride on elephants. For Christians in Africa, the elephant is a symbol of clarity and temperance and signifies Christ trampling a serpent.

The Camel - Although many cultures see the camel as a symbol of arrogance, laziness and bad temper, African’s have a much different view. Countries that use camels see it in a more positive light. In Africa, the camel is a symbol of sobriety, and for Christians it is a symbol of temperance because it drops to its knees to receive a burden, as if before God in humility and obedience.

Patchwork in African American Art - Animal Art is a very beautiful pattern which is placed on animals to display a safari type of artwork.  It’s displayed on giraffes, elephant statues and other types of artwork.  The picture at the top of this article displays a gorgeous glossy statue trio which has a wildly whimsical look from the patchwork pattern of earth tone animal-skin prints.  This can be a colorful display of African American Animal art to be used to enhance your home or office.

Friday’s Proverb

“Anger draws arrows from the quiver, but good words draw kola-nuts from the bag”.
    - Nigerian proverb

Papyrus Artwork

Papyrus was the first writing surface ever invented. Discovered in Egypt, this revolutionary product dominated many forms of African Wall Art and literature until pulp paper was discovered. Papyrus is made from a reed-like plant that grows in the marshes of the river Nile. This plant grows about 10 feet tall. The plant is harvested, and the hard outer fibers are peeled away, and the core is sliced into strips. The strips are then soaked in water, which removes most of the sugar content. After soaking, the strips are pounded and the water drained. The strips are then placed side by side, overlapping slightly. A second set of strips is then placed at right angles to the first, again overlapping slightly. This process is repeated over and over again until a piece of paper or artwork is formed. Afterwards, the surface is polished to a smooth finish by rubbing with a stone or black wood. All of the papyrus artwork we carry is made using this process, which adds value and ingenuity to each piece.

Wednesday’s Recipe

How to Cook Red-Red Stew from Ghana, Africa

Red-Red is a popular dish from Ghana made from cowpeas (black-eyed peas). It is thought to have been named for the combination of red pepper and red palm oil that is used in the cooking process. The Red-Red cowpeas stew is usually served with fried plantains, and is a lunch favorite in Ghana, particularly among office workers. If you are “unbeanz,” (i.e. unemployed) you can survive on this meal easily because the ingredients are inexpensive This is most commonly served with fried ripe plantain (popularly known as “koko”). It is an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2-3 cups dried cowpeas (black eyed peas) or similar
• 1 cup red palm oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1-2 onions, thinly sliced
• 2-3 ripe tomatoes, quartered
• Cayenne pepper or red pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Several ripe or near-ripe plantains
• 1-2 bouillon cubes
• 4 Cups Chopped Eggplant
• (Optional) Small piece of smoked or dried fish
• (Optional) One spoonful of shrimp powder

Step #1

Clean the black-eyed peas in water in a large pot. Soak them in water for at least an hour or overnight. After soaking them, rub them together between your hands to remove the skins. Rinse to wash away the skins and any other debris. Drain them in a colander If you are using smoked or dried fish: remove the bones and skin, rinse and soak them in water, then dry them. If you are using dried shrimp: grind the shrimp (or obtain already ground or powdered shrimp).

Step #2
Place the black-eyed peas in a large pot, fill the pot with enough water to just cover the peas. Bring to a slow boil; reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the peas are tender; thirty minutes to an hour. When cooked, the peas should be moist, but not standing in water.

Step #3
While the peas are cooking: Heat the oil in a skillet. Fry the onions until slightly browned, then add the tomatoes, and fish and dried shrimp (if desired). Mash and stir the mixture to form a sauce.

Step #4
Stir the onion-tomato mixture into the black-eyed peas. Add bouillon cubes (if you are not using fish or shrimp). Simmer for ten minutes. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne or red pepper to taste.

Step #5
While peas and sauce is simmering: Prepare fried plantains.

Step #6
Serve peas and plantains side by side on a plate.

Step #1
Peel and thinly slice the plantains lengthwise.

Step #2
Fill a skillet with 1 inch of Canola or vegetable oil. Preheat the skillet until hot, but not smoking.

Step #3
Fry the plantains until they a nice golden brown color, and then flip to the other side. This should take about 2 or 3 minutes in total, but let your eyes be the judge.

Step #4
Remove the plantains from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain the excess oil, then season with salt and pepper. Makes about 6 to 8 servings.

How to Prepare Boiled Plantains:

Drop unpeeled plantains in boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until a test plantain is tender when pierced with a fork. Peel before serving.

Note: Because of the amount of agricultural chemicals used in fruit cultivation, we suggest a good soap and hot-water scrub before boiling plantains. If you prefer, you may peel them before boiling

A History of the Cowpea:

The cowpea is indigenous to Africa and contributes immensely to the diets of the under-privileged. It used to be called the “poor man’s meat”. However, improvement in the storage and processing techniques of cowpeas has changed this perception. Cowpeas are now accepted, as food in the homes of the rich, the informed, the salaried worker and all those who can afford it. The cowpea is rich in protein and B-vitamins.

This rare wood comes from the root of the Thuya tree; found primarily in the town of Essaouria, in Morocco. Due to the limited supply of Thuya wood, the products made out of this wood are limited and will never be made in large quantities. This wood is so valuable that it is only given to the most skilled artisans. Each piece is hand-crafted and hand-rubbed for hours.  Lemon juice and vegetable oils are worked into the wood to bring out a gorgeous luster, revealing Thuya’s natural burled grain. Its beauty will complement any African Decor or atmosphere.

Skilled artisans have used other types of wood for their carvings.  Ebony makes a beautiful figurine like the “Ebony Women Kneeling in Prayer”.

Friday’s Proverb

When a man thinks he is too big or great to fall, it only takes a little thing to bring him down.

Massai shields are used not only as weapons in the Massai culture of Kenya. They also express the African Wall Art and culture of the Massai people in Kenya.

Each shield is crafted from buffalo hide sewn onto a wooden frame. The handle is attached at the center back of the shield and wrapped with leather strips. Among the Massai, red paint was traditionally obtained by mixing earth with blood or the red sap of the solanum campylae fruit. White was derived from local clays, and black from the skins of burnt gourds. Younger warriors were only allowed the use of black, white, or gray on their shields, while red shields were for the senior warriors.

A Massai warrior is rarely seen without a spear and shield. Spears are a warrior’s most precious possession and are used for defending herds and the community against predators. Spears are used as walking sticks and staffs, most commonly seen thrust in the ground by the warrior’s side. The metal is kept rust-free by polishing it with animal fat. Wood separates the leaf-shaped blade from the sharpened end. Dark ebony wood is used only among senior warriors, where lighter wood indicates a junior.

In Massai culture, a boy grows into a junior and then senior warrior (mid teens-mid thirties). When a new age set matures to replace them, senior warriors become junior elders, and finally senior elders, or ancients. Warriors are protectors of the tribe. They are the first line of defense against animals such as lions, and outsiders. They are also expected to perform the hard work around the encampment.

Shields remain one of the Maasai warrior’s most important tools. They were used in warfare and hunting as well as practice and training. Outside of the warring context, however, shields were used in rites of passage and also functioned as prestige objects and symbols of identification. Early studies revealed that spear markings and shield designs were once used to tell between some of the Massai subgroups and also hinted at a larger, complex lineage identification system. Shield designs are known as sirata. Different designs and colors represent different things; a red badge signifies great bravery in battle and is only painted with the permission of a high-ranking chief. The intricacy of design and high craftsmanship of Maasai shields extend beyond utilitarianism and convey the sense of honor and status with which their warrior owners were invested.

Friday’s Proverb

Change   ~   Art   ~   Quality

Africa is a truly unique continent. With over 53 countries, and about a thousand different languages; this is a land where diversity is normal. While in Africa, one finds different ethnic living styles within ten miles of each other to be the norm. Even though group loyalties run very deep, people still have long-standing relationships with each other.

Find out the most astounding change in Africa

Africa today is changing at a pace faster than has ever been seen in the history of civilization. Changes that took many centuries to complete in Western Europe and North America have taken place in just a few short decades in Africa.

Where else in all of history have we ever seen people moving so quickly from tribal societies to modern nations? Progress in African nations has been happening at a rate, and in a manner not experienced anywhere else on the globe.

The goals of independence and nationalism among many of Africa’s people, has sped up the process of breaking down barriers between tribal groups. This merging of tribal cultures has further weakened the traditions already made weak from contact with western civilization.

Art is one of the most important parts of any culture

In Africa traditional art is becoming a thing of the past as quickly as the continent changes. With the disappearance of traditions and other aspects of African culture, works of traditional African art are becoming more and scarcer. The art of previous generations was produced to meet religious and social needs that no longer exist within most groups of Africans today.

Quality works of ancient African art are harder to find

The value of African art has gone up accordingly; and much of the traditional artwork has left the continent for private collections overseas. People living in poverty will often give up family heirlooms; some passed down through generations; in order to survive.

Artisans who create African art are also adopting new world views. This makes traditional work of modern vintage somewhat less meaningful and true to the original heritage. Just as the culture of Africa is changing fast, in the same way its art, as a reflection of that culture, also changes quickly.

New African art is not by any means inferior however, just different. Just as modern Western art has taken prominence over older forms, so too, modern African art is replacing the traditional. This brings with it its own new meaning and aesthetic significance. African culture is shown through art in paintings and sculpture, as well as in jewelry and other items of everyday life.

Friday’s Proverb

Once the mushroom has sprouted from the earth, there is no turning back.

(Luo proverb)