Exploring Several Common Themes Found In African Art

African art is truly simple and highly complex at the same time. It's almost impossible to fully comprehend the true meaning and purpose of African artistic pieces. People need a way to classify and define art so they can better understand.


The five elements of African art have been devised to help you evaluate the sensory and emotional power found in African works of art. This basic list has been developed to describe the art's intuitive, religious and aesthetic value to the peoples of various African regions. The 5 elements of African art are as follows:

Resemblance to a human figure for purpose of conveying ideas.

Luminosity representing shiny and unflawed skin.

Youthfulness representing vitality and fertility.

Reserved demeanor representing a person in control.

Balance and proportion through material choices.

This last element is probably the only element that coincides with Western art elements. The elements of African art define those qualities which Africans have infused in their art pieces in order to relate to the seen and unseen world in which they live.


At an almost supernatural level, African art captures a wealth of memory, religious principle, and sacred myths to transform an ancient culture into something stunningly contemporary.


Another common theme is found in art sanctifying an African woman's most important role as that of mother. The art of Africa emphasizes images of women, children, and fertility. The African woman is portrayed as:

- the first mother

- a bearer of good luck

- revered ancestor

- a vessel

- procreator

- protector

- initiation figure


Overall, when viewing artworks from Africa, other recurring themes appear. These themes are representations of different things that're significant to African culture and tradition. They help reveal the mystery behind some of its most beautiful art.


The most common themes are:

• A couple


• A woman and a child


• A male with a weapon or animal


• An outsider or "stranger"

Great importance is placed on two as one as represented in the couple. Public displays of love and intimacy are rare in African carvings. More often the couple in art portrays strength and honor and is used in ceremonies and rituals.


A carving of a mother and child represents the mother earth and the people as her children. Art work depicting a male with a weapon or animal (commonly a horse) is created to show honor to departed ancestors.
Interestingly, animals are carved not to manifest the inner or outer beauty of the beast, but to give status to the person. Even today the status of owning a horse outweighs even that of owning an automobile.


A final common representation is of a stranger, someone from a different country or tribe. Considered unwelcome, the portrayal would be distorted, thereby destroying the usual balance and symmetry, that very important 5th element.


When meaning can be discerned, a deeper understanding and appreciation of the fascinating African cultural heritage is obtained. Only then can the staggering beauty of African art be fully realized. Allow your enthusiasm for Africa's art take you on a magical journey throughout this site. Experience the joy and awe of the creators revealing the mystery of their ancestry.

Nadine Desruisseaux loves life; but feels that it's speeding by so relentlessly. She wants, she needs to enjoy every single moment. Art is the answer. It delights her senses, her emotions. She wants everyone to savor the beauty of life captured in every exciting piece of African art. Visit with her at:
http://www.african-artopia.com/