Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
African art refers to the visual arts produced by various cultures and societies in Africa. It encompasses a wide range of artistic forms, including sculpture, painting, pottery, textiles, and masks.
Related terms
Cultural Anthropology: Cultural anthropology is the study of human cultures and societies. It explores how people create and express their culture through various means, including art.
Masks: Masks are an important element in African art. They are often used in rituals, ceremonies, and performances to represent spirits or ancestors and convey specific meanings within different African cultures.
Sculpture: Sculpture is a form of three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or carving materials such as wood, stone, metal, or clay. Many African artists excel in sculptural techniques to create expressive and symbolic artworks.