African Art and Culture

African Arts And Crafts In Mozambique

The Republic of Mozambique, located across the Indian Ocean in south-eastern Africa, is a country as full of history, culture, and traditions. Originally inhabited by Bantu tribes in the northern parts of Africa and then Swahili and Arab tribes in the china, Mozambique fell under Portuguese control in early 15th century. For several decades, it remained a major trading port and economic outpost of Portugal, eventually falling under European Colonial rule. Mozambique remained a Colonial establishment until gaining independence in 1975, following the 10 years Mozambique War of Independence. 2 yrs later, the nation plunged into a civil war which lasted over 15 years.Evening Dresses UK These long-term conflicts devastated the nation’s infrastructure and economy, driving the population into long-term poverty.

Despite sub-standard education, inadequate health-care, and poor living conditions, the Mozambique individuals have maintained their diverse social and ethnic diversity. A number of traditions, languages, dress, and artistic expressions blend together to form the dynamic melting-pot of Mozambique culture. The people of Mozambique proudly display this culture through folkloric songs, dance, and poetry as well as a myriad of artistic expressions including sculpture, pottery, carvings, fabrics, and jewelery.

The Makonde, who live in the northern regions,Designer Bridesmaid Dresses are skilled artisans recognized for their ebony carvings and masks. Their carvings, mostly abstract figures that represent various spirits, play a central role in their coming-of-age traditions. Similarly, masks represent spirits and deceased relatives, are utilized as ornamentation during dances and rituals. Painstakingly crafted, the mask sculptor strives to capture the essence from the deceased spirit through vivid colors and detailed carvings. The mask is a vital part of the Mozambique culture and is seen as a conduit between your living world and the supernatural world.

The Chopi, from the southern region, provide music and dance. They are most famous for that masterful musical fusions consisting of xylophones, panpipes, whistles, rattles, flutes, and drums that are took part in large groups. This colorful music is usually along with a slew of brightly dressed dancers performing traditional moves to the melodious Chopin rhythm. A particular dance that has emerged from this reason and has gained international recognition is the Mapiko dance. Performed as the spirit of a dead person, the Mapiko is riveting and sometimes horrifying spectacle.

Throughout Mozambique, artisan skills happen to be passed down from generation to generation. In several areas, the Mozambique people use their craft skills as a way of support. In recent years, tourism has become an important source of income. Visitors can find a variety of roadside stands offering examples of traditional crafts including beautifully hand-dyed clothing, beaded and shell jewelery, hand-carved wooden boxes. These treasures really are a symbol of the abundant talent, ingenuity, and different and unique culture from the Mozambique people.

Overall, Mozambique art and rituals reflect a brief history of its different and complex population. After surviving decades of oppression and war, the Mozambique people have triumphed as one of the most prolific examples of contemporary art and music. Their perseverance and ingenuity is a shining illustration of the possibilities that may be achieved through maintaining a proud ethnic identity.

The Illuminated Mask: African Art in the World (Part 1)

Knives, mask and mat from Upper Congo, from ‘The History of Mankind’, Vol.III, by Prof. Friedrich Ratzel, 1898 (engraving) by English School – Mug – Standard Size $14.50 This mug is created using the finest dye sublimation techniques and creates a stunning dishwasher safe finish. Great as a gift, or for promotional items. Each of our mugs come individually boxed for protection in transit….

1936 African Safaris Travel Film DVD: History of Africa & Great Safari Footage $10.99 Wheels Across Africa is a powerful and important piece of historical documentary filmmaking that captures nearly the entire African continent. Husband and wife team Armand and Leila Roosevelt Denis embark on a historic and ambitious trip over the African continent in two Dodge trucks. Leila was the cousin of Theodore Roosevelt. This amazing travelogue was filmed in 1935 through 1936 and shows Afri…

Yaaba Soore: Continuity and Change in Mossi Art $24.95 This video documents forty years of continuity and change in the art of a West African people. The Mossi people are a heterogeneous people in Burkina Faso with a long history. Their art is a mirror of the complex processes that led to the creation of this people in the fifteenth century. Several mask styles correspond to the areas in which the original inhabitants were conquered by invaders from…

African Masks: From the Barbier-Mueller Collection (Art Flexi) $12.00 The book includes one hundred colour plates accompanied by in-depth descriptions, as well as numerous black-and-white photographs of the masks as they are used in religious and secular ceremonies. An introductory text by renowned scholars describes how the masks are made, examines their significance in African culture and offers insight into the universal practice of masquerading. A unique contrib…

Can You Spot the Leopard?: African Masks (Adventures in Art (Prestel)) $13.43 Describes different types of ceremonial African masks, how and why they are made, and how they reflect the culture of their ethnic groups….

Central Nigeria Unmasked: Arts of the Benue River Valley $47.25 The Benue River Valley is the source of some of the most abstract, dramatic, and inventive sculpture in sub-Saharan Africa. A vast region, the Valley extends from the heart of present-day Nigeria eastward to its border with Cameroon, and is home to a large number of ethnic and linguistic groups, all of whom have produced sculptures that are remarkable for their variety. This book brings together…