African Art

A male with a weapon or animal (commonly a horse) is produced to show honor to departed ancestors. Animals are rarely sculpted for the purpose of showing the inward or outward beauty of the animal, but to give status to the person. Even today, many in Africa would consider the ownership of a horse to be of greater status than the ownership of an automobile. Showing a person with a horse would then be giving great honor to them. Sometimes people are shown with animals that are not really used; possibly even mythical. The purpose is to show the power given to one who rides such an animal, and the wealth that they must have. 

As women achieve significance through their children, men will often be honored in warfare. The one who goes to battle must have physical, emotional and spiritual energy to survive and to conquer. Thus we have the emphasis on weapons and the spoils of war in many African works.  See some African Figurines.

Wednesday’s African Recipe

Candied Yams from West Africa

 INGREDIENTS:

• 6 Med. Yams
• 1 Tsp. Nutmeg
• 1 Tsp. Cinnamon
• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 8 Tbsp. Margarine
• 2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

Step #1 – Peel yams and slice lengthwise.

Step #2 – Place yams in a large pot , cover with water, and bring to a boil.

Step #3 – Drain half of the water and put yams and remaining water in a large pan or skillet.

Step #4 – Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg.

Step #5 – Bring to boil and cook approximately 3 minutes

Step #6 – Add the remainder of the nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, and the vanilla extract.

Step #7 – Spoon mixture all over the yams and let simmer for 15 minutes until the yams have absorbed all the syrup.

Step #8 – Remove from heat until ready to serve.