Harn Diversity Project: African Art
Table of Contents
Male Ancestral Figurine, Beembe peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo. In the 1900s.
Time Cycle III Skunderboghossian 1981.
“Striking his Head” Triptych. Ethiopia, Mid-seventeenth-early eighteenth centuries.
Married woman’s dress, Mfengu peoples, South Africa. Late nineteenth-mid-twentieth century.
Qur’anic Amulet(xirsi), Somali People. Somalia. Eighteenth Century.
Gainesville has many opportunities to celebrate diversity. The museum has a large collection of African Art that serves as both a beautiful lesson and a representation of the diversity in Gainesville. African art can be as old as 75,000 years. There are many forms of African Art, which are still very relevant today. “Foreign Colonization of sub-Saharan Africa began in 1840 and has since become omnipresent. Many African art was acquired by traders, missionaries and travelers in search of curious ways. “African art history didn’t get the respect and attention that it deserved by colonialists, so they did not preserve or document it.” (Evans). The museum’s strong representation of African art is due to its diversity. Male Ancestral Figurine, Beembe peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo. Twentieth Century. A miniature ancestral figure is created from a wooden shell. “Striking miniature ancestral-effigy figures is one the most prominent art forms that the Beembe people have created in southwestern Congo. The Beembe think that their ancestors have vital power. They believe that effigy models can channel this power to their descendants. The structure of this particular figure is similar to others that existed at the time. These figures are sacred and worshiped often by Beembe people. These figures were very important to the Beembes. People were often afraid about their abilities and how they would affect others. Like many others, this one was likely kept in one family. Many wealthy families own their own symbols and use them to protect themselves. The use of symbolic figures was very common in African societies. There were many types of symbols, and each one had its own meaning. Gainesville is filled with many examples and uses for African symbol figures. This is due to the many different African groups that are all part of one group. While there are many people living in Gainesville, all of them fall within the same time cycle, Skunder Bohossian. 1981. This unusual looking piece was found on Skunder’s Uganda trip. This bark was used locally to bury the dead. There is a lot of history behind it. Skunder knew how to artistically treat bark. This was due to the fact that bark is extremely sensitive. The bark cloth depicts mother nature’s beauty, with the figures arranged on it. It also shows volcanoes and mountain formations. This piece gives the viewer a good idea of Skunder’s interests. There are abstract cosmological views. The concentric circle motif in its center is used as a cosmogram across many cultures, including Ethiopian ancient Christianity. It also suggests the design of Ethiopian Christian Orthdox churches, which has been the dominant location for Ethiopian spirituality since centuries. The image of a lion gives the Ethiopian reference an additional boost. (Harn) This piece was intended to be inviting, so that viewers can get a true sense of its purpose. This piece is unique in its use of materials. It is not very colorful, so it can be difficult to express emotion. Skunder used light shifting to create something special. Skunder intended viewers to feel the emotions and the story when they look at the piece. This is not a showpiece, but a relief that tells a story.
“Striking his Head” Triptych. Ethiopia, mid-seventeeth, early eighteenth Century. It is remarkable that the pieces were created at different times by artists from different backgrounds. This piece features many images. The central panel features Christ with his horns. This is the center panel, which is what gives the piece its title. His head is being struck by the horns. The diverse grouping of artists involved in creating this piece makes it a wonderful representation of diversity. The central panel is influenced strongly by Indian culture. The piece’s five images are connected to one common meaning. Triptychs, a common form of art, are three-part pieces that can be broken down into smaller pieces but held together by something that can be used as an altarpiece. Numerous triptych paintings have been credited with telling important stories. Robert Campin’s Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Merode Altarpiece, is one of the most famous altarpieces/ triptychs. This triptych features three images of Virgin Mary and Gabriel. Because of the message that the angel had to Mary, this was an important story. She would become the mother for Jesus. People loved the detail of this triptych. It is important that triptychs are able to tell stories. Gainesville is a place where diverse art is a common feature. Multicultural groups represent art displayed throughout the community.
Married woman’s dress Mfengu, South Africa. Late nineteenth-mid-twentieth century.Art can be classified as many things, and a piece does not need to be a painting or a sculpture to be considered as art. Many cultures consider clothing art. Special clothing is sacred in African art. This dress is used to demonstrate the wealth and status of a married lady. It is a way to connect with family members and their ancestors. “Different tribes across the continent are proud of their national dresses, which they use for special occasions and ceremonies.
There are many styles of clothing, and the fabric used to make the garment plays an important role. The fabric often reflects society as a whole, and also the status or individuals within the community.
Sometimes traditional robes are replaced by or influenced in some cases by foreign cultures like the colonial influence or western popular dress code.” The uniqueness of each item makes clothing art a cool idea. Many cultures consider clothing items as important in different cultures as the Mfengu South Africans did. This dress has every little detail that is significant to them. Every aspect of the dress, from its color combinations to the beads strung together, is important. The clothing’s specific features were also used by African people to determine the age of the wearer. The clothing’s color would depend on who the wearer was and what kind of “add-ons” were used to show how important that person is. Clothing could be passed down from one generation of the family, creating legacy and demonstrating the importance some families have. Because clothing can be representative of many people, it is an important and cool art. Gainesville hosts people from all over the US and the rest of the world. It is my belief that clothes are an indicator of a person’s character. Gainesville has a large community with a wide range of cultures, so we are able observe a variety of clothing styles that relate to different ethnicities.
Qur’anic Amulet(xirsi), Somali Peoples, Somalia. Eighteenth century. Accessories are a significant part of many societies and cultures, just like clothing. This necklace illustrates what a traditional gift for brides was at that time in Africa. This necklace is a wedding present, so if the woman divorces or her husband dies, she would have it taken away. These items would be sold by women to make ends meet. Keeping them after a divorce or death could spell doom for their marriage. Pieces, sculptures, or jewelry that represent figures fighting evil spirits are a common feature of African art. This necklace is one of many that represents protection. This necklace is said to protect its wearer from evil forces and diseases. “Amber and copal were thought to have healing powers. The Harn Necklace, which has both agates and amber, can be used as a double-fortified healing device. To symbolize the death of an owner, jewelry was often buried together with them. The jewelry was more expensive or more rare, so the owners were more wealthy and important. A lot of African jewelry can be compared with African masks. African masks are most commonly used in ceremonies and dances. This is a very popular African cultural practice. Jewelry is sometimes used in performances. You can consider many items art, even jewelry. The African culture was very rich in jewelry.
Cultural diversity is strong in Gainesville. We are fortunate to have an art museum at the University of Florida that exhibits local artists and gives students a glimpse into the past through the art.
