Modern Africa
Ceremonial Staff (Kibango), Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Since African culture was a very tradition based one, this staff was probably used for various different ceremonies in modern Africa.
Palm Wine Cup (Mbwoongntey), Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
This wine glass was used for rituals. The facial structure indicates that it is a form of modern African art.
Water Pipe, Unknown, 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
The intricate design of the woman on this water pipe identify it as a piece of modern African art. It is believed to be made in a river region, which makes sense.
Door (Ilekun), Master of Ikare, late 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
This door represents the different lifestyles that were lived in Africa at the time of its creation.
Funerary Headdress (Tugunga), Unknown, late 19th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
This headdress was used for funeral ceremonies and was believed to help create a link between the living and the dead.
Kneeling Mother and Child, African, Tanzania-Mozambique border area, Makonde people, late 19th century, From the collection of: Kimbell Art Museum
The detail shows that this figure was made in modern Africa. The carvings and piercings on the woman's face are meant to emphasize power and leadership.
Reliquary Guardian Figure (Boumba Bwiti), Unknown, late 19th or early 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
These figures were placed on top of the remains of dead people and were thought to create a link between the living and the dead. The theme, life and death, is commonly expressed in modern African art
Dance Headdress (Ci-wara Kun), Unknown, late 19th-early 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Often the significance of a headdress was unclear until the whole ceremony took place. It was used for religious rituals and dances as the people attempted to get in touch with the spiritual world.
Fertility doll (akua'ba), Unknown, Late 19th century - Early 20th century, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
In modern Africa art was directly related to things such as fertility, death, birth, etc. This figure was believed to increase a woman's fertility.
Mask (mwana pwo), Artist Unknown, African, Chokwe Peoples Angola, 1885/1895, From the collection of: University of Michigan Museum of Art
This mask represents popular feminine ideals in the African culture.
Power Figure (nkisi nduda), Artist Unknown, African, Yombe Peoples Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1850/1899, From the collection of: University of Michigan Museum of Art
These figures were created because it was believed that they had the power to heal and/or protect people. The link with the spiritual world places this piece in modern Africa.
Divination Object (Gbaule), Unknown, early 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Used to get guidance form the spiritual world. This is another example of an object used to obtain aid from a supernatural being or ancestral spirits.
Helmet Mask with Antelope Horns, African, Guinea Coast, early 20th century, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The antelope was a symbol of agriculture and this mask might have been worn while farming or during agricultural rituals.
Effigy: Ritual Figure Holding Scepter, Unknown, Baule People, ca. 20th Century, From the collection of: The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum
Used to combine political power with communication with divine powers to help acheive well-being for the leaders and their subjects.
Crest Helmet, Ejagham people, Ekoi subgroup, early 20th century, From the collection of: The Toledo Museum of Art
This mask is directly associated with certain rites of passages in African culture. It represents the virtues of an ideal man and woman.
Fetish Figure, Unknown, 20th century, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The only reason I put this in my gallery is because I found it really interesting. It seems as if the facelessness of this figure allows it to portray anything.
Ceremonial Hoe, Unknown, 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Perhaps used for rituals regarding agriculture or maybe even funerals.
Vessel for Kwandalha Healing Divination, Unknown, 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Believed to be able to get supernatural beings to aid in healing.
Linguist (Okyeame) Staff, Unknown, 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
These sorts of staffs were used as an emblem of a leader's position in power.
Gravepost (Aloalo), Unknown, 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Used to mark the grave of a loved one. The two figures on the top make it seem as if one is anointing the other. Possibly believed to help put a spirit to rest.
Kuosi Society Elephant Mask, Unknown, 20th century, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
This mask was most likely worn for ceremonies and was used to symbolize power and strength as well as intelligence.
community power figure, Unknown, 1900-1930, From the collection of: Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Used to protect a village against evil spirits as well as their enemies.
Credits: All media
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