African Art

African art and visual culture from African continent, native or Indigenous Africans is inspired by African history, particular local characteristics, influenced by the work of predecessors, but despite its diversity, there are numerous unifying artistic themes present. Traditional African religions have been extremely influential on all art forms across the African continent, and many pieces of art are created for spiritual rather than purely creative purposes.

Masquerade, wooden masks, and sculptures which might either be of human, animal or legendary creatures, and often highly stylized, are one of the most commonly found forms of African art.

Because, African art is basically very varied and diverse in nature, many times the kind of art piece that you wish to purchase may be difficult to find.

There are many books and literature available on African art. Using a guide to African art galleries can give you interesting perspective. The written guides to African art are not only printed in English, but in many languages, so that people of different countries can use them with ease. Moreover, there are many online sites that can give you valid information on African art.

You can also find reliable information about African art in research materials published by many universities that conduct research on African art and cultures. They usually make their research available to students and professionals to complete their projects. Sometimes the information is available to general public and such exhaustive information can also serve as a good guide to African art.

When selecting a guide for art, keep in mind that a good guide to African art should not only consist of all features and traditions of African art but should also reveal its significance, answer your questions, and the information given should be true and authentic.