Exploring Materials and Techniques Used in African Art

April 26, 2023

African art is renowned for its diversity, vibrancy, and cultural significance. For centuries, African artisans have used a wide range of materials and techniques to create masterpieces that reflect the richness of their traditions, beliefs, and daily lives.

From sculptures to masks, textiles to pottery, African art encompasses a diverse array of forms and styles, each with its unique materials and techniques that are passed down through generations.

In this essay, we will explore the fascinating world of African art, delving into the materials and techniques used to create these captivating works of art.

Materials form the foundation of African art, and artisans often utilize locally available resources to create their masterpieces. Wood is one of the most common materials used in African art. Skilled woodcarvers create intricate sculptures and masks using a variety of woods such as mahogany, ebony, and teak. These sculptures often depict human figures, animals, or mythological creatures, and are often characterized by their smooth lines, bold shapes, and elaborate detailing.

Woodcarving is considered a highly respected craft in many African societies, with artisans often using traditional tools such as adzes, chisels, and knives to shape the wood into their desired forms.

Another important material in African art is metal. African artisans use metalworking techniques such as casting, forging, and soldering to create an array of stunning metal objects. Brass, bronze, and iron are commonly used metals in African art, and artisans skillfully manipulate these materials to create intricate jewelry, weapons, and ceremonial objects. For example, the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria is renowned for its intricate bronze castings, which depict scenes from royal court life and ceremonies. The lost-wax casting technique, where a wax model is coated in clay, heated to melt the wax, and then filled with molten metal, is often used to create these detailed bronze sculptures.

In addition to wood and metal, textiles play a significant role in African art. Textile art in Africa is known for its rich symbolism and cultural significance. Artisans employ various techniques such as weaving, dyeing, and embroidery to create stunning textiles that are used for clothing, adornment, and ceremonial purposes. For example, the Kente cloth from Ghana is a brilliantly colorful and intricate textile that is handwoven using silk or cotton threads. The patterns and colors used in Kente cloth often hold symbolic meanings, reflecting the values, beliefs, and social status of the wearer.

Ceramics also feature prominently in African art, with pottery being an essential craft in many African cultures. African potters use techniques such as hand-building, coiling, and slab construction to create a wide range of functional and ceremonial pottery. Clay is the primary material used, and potters often incorporate various techniques such as incising, painting, and burnishing to embellish their creations. African pottery often exhibits unique shapes, patterns, and designs that are specific to different regions and cultural groups, reflecting the diversity and richness of African artistic traditions.

Moreover, African art often incorporates a wide array of organic materials, such as beads, shells, fibers, and feathers, to create intricate and expressive works of art. Beadwork, for example, is a highly regarded craft in many African societies, with artisans using beads made from glass, bone, metal, or other materials to create elaborate jewelry, clothing, and ceremonial objects. Beads are often meticulously strung, woven, or sewn onto various surfaces, creating intricate patterns and designs that hold cultural and symbolic meanings.

Below we will explore each material in greater detail:

1. Wood: Wood is a primary material used in African art, and woodcarving is a highly esteemed craft in many African societies. African artisans skillfully use different types of wood, such as mahogany, ebony, teak, and more, to create intricate sculptures, masks, and other objects of art.

   Woodcarving in African art involves the use of traditional hand tools, such as adzes, chisels, knives, and gouges, to shape the wood into desired forms. Artisans carefully select the type of wood depending on its availability, durability, and workability. For instance, hardwoods like mahogany and ebony are preferred for their durability and fine-grained texture, which allows for intricate carving details.

   The process of woodcarving begins with the selection of the appropriate piece of wood, which is often obtained from trees that have fallen naturally or been intentionally felled for the purpose of carving. The wood is then carefully seasoned or dried to reduce moisture content and prevent warping or cracking.

   Once the wood is prepared, the artisan begins the carving process. This usually involves roughing out the basic shape of the object using larger tools like adzes and chisels, followed by finer detailing using smaller tools like knives and gouges. The artisan may also use sandpaper, files, and other smoothing techniques to achieve the desired surface texture and finish.

   African woodcarving is known for its distinct style, characterized by smooth lines, bold shapes, and intricate detailing. The subject matter of woodcarvings varies widely, ranging from human figures, animals, and mythological creatures to functional objects, ceremonial items, and masks used in traditional rituals and performances.

   Woodcarving in African art is not only about aesthetics but also holds deep cultural significance. Many woodcarvings are imbued with symbolism, reflecting the beliefs, values, and traditions of the community or culture from which they originate. They may serve as representations of ancestral spirits, convey social status, or play a role in religious or ceremonial practices.

   Woodcarving has a long history in African art, with many traditional techniques and styles being passed down through generations. It is considered a prestigious skill, often reserved for skilled artisans who hold a revered position in their communities. Today, African woodcarvings continue to be appreciated and valued by collectors, art enthusiasts, and scholars alike for their beauty, cultural significance, and artistic excellence.

   Wood is the predominant material used in African sculpture, although it is inherently impermanent and susceptible to environmental damage, such as termite infestation. Wooden sculptures from Africa found in Western collections generally date back to the late nineteenth century or later, although older objects do exist. In arid climates, such as the western Sudan, wood sculpture has been preserved for longer periods due to the drier conditions.

   The type of wood chosen by a sculptor in African art can hold symbolic significance and may require ritual preparation. For example, some Dogon sculptors offer sacrifices to the spirit of a tree before using its wood for carving, highlighting the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of the creative process.

   Most African wood sculptures are carved from a single piece of wood, using a subtractive technique similar to carving in stone or ivory. The traditional tools of an African sculptor are the ax or the adze, with the adze being a type of ax where the blade is perpendicular rather than parallel to the handle. The sculptor starts by blocking out a generalized form from a large block of wood using an ax or adze, and then refines the form by increasing definition and adding finer details using a knife. Some sculptures may be smoothed and polished, while others may be painted with locally made or imported pigments, or even adorned with organic and other materials.

   The Yoruba creative process provides a clear example of the various stages involved in wood carving. The sculptor begins by visualizing the desired form and selects a piece of freshly cut, green wood that is kept wet to facilitate carving. The first stage, called "ona lile," involves the preliminary blocking out of the wood using an ax or adze. In the next step, known as "aletunle," the main forms are refined into smaller masses, such as ears, hands, and eyes, using an adze or chisel. Smoothing of the carving using a knife or chisel is the third stage, called "didan," and finally, the artist uses a knife to carve fine details, completing the sculpture in a stage known as "fifin."

   In some cases, wood sculptures from Africa may be dated using radiocarbon analysis, which is a method of calculating the age of organic materials, including wood, based on measuring the radioactive decay of carbon. However, this method is only useful for artifacts that are more than 200 years old.

   Overall, wood is a significant material used in African art, particularly in wood carving, and the choice of wood, tools, and techniques used by African artisans reflects their cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expertise.

2. Ivory: Ivory has historically been used in African art as a material for carving, particularly in the creation of intricate sculptures and ornaments. Ivory is obtained from the tusks of elephants, and its use in African art dates back centuries, with ivory carvings being produced by skilled artisans across the continent.

   In many African cultures, ivory has long been valued as a symbol of wealth, status, and power. Ivory carvings were often created for wealthy patrons and royalty, who used them for ceremonial and religious purposes, as well as for personal adornment. Ivory was also a valuable trade commodity, with many African societies engaging in long-distance trade to obtain ivory from other regions.

   Ivory carvings in African art often depicted human figures, animals, and mythical creatures, and were characterized by their intricate details and lifelike qualities. Ivory is a particularly challenging material to work with, requiring great skill and precision to create the desired shapes and forms. Ivory carvings were typically created using traditional tools such as knives, chisels, and rasps, and required a great deal of patience and attention to detail.

   However, the use of ivory in African art has become increasingly controversial in recent years, due to concerns over elephant conservation and the illegal ivory trade. Elephants are often hunted for their tusks, which are then sold on the black market to fund criminal activities such as terrorism and organized crime. This has led to a decline in elephant populations across Africa, with many countries implementing strict laws and regulations to protect these majestic animals and their habitats.
   
   

   Ivory, obtained from the tusks of elephants, holds both material and symbolic value in African art. Its physical properties, such as strength, density, and smoothness, make it a prized material for carving. Ivory is considered a luxury material and was an important commercial commodity in trade with Europe, further enhancing its value in African societies.

   In many African cultures, the elephant is revered as a symbol of strength and power. As such, ivory is often used in arts associated with leadership and is historically associated with royalty in centralized kingdoms such as Benin in Nigeria. The use of ivory was exclusive to the royalty, and it was considered a symbol of their status and authority.

   The color of ivory also holds significance in some African cultures. The white color of ivory is associated with ritual purity and spirituality in general, adding to its symbolic value in African art.

   The techniques used to carve ivory in African art are similar to those used for wood carving. Ivory was generally carved by the same artists who sculpted wood, using tools such as knives or adzes, and polishing the surface with rough-textured leaves or other abrasive materials. Fresh ivory, obtained from recently killed elephants, was preferred for carving as it was more oily and therefore easier to work with.

   In some African societies, ivory carvers constituted a separate category of artisans. For example, at the court of Benin, ivory carvers were organized into a guild known as Igbesamwan and lived and worked in separate quarters. In Lega society, ownership of ivory artifacts was historically restricted to members of the highest levels of the Bwami association, which was the core political and social institution.

   Today, due to the international ban on ivory trade and increased concerns over elephant conservation, ivory carving in African art has significantly reduced. However, there are still some areas where ivory carving is practiced to a much lesser extent, preserving the traditional techniques and cultural significance associated with this prized material.

3. Stone: While wood has been the dominant medium in African art, stone has also been used, albeit less commonly, in various artistic traditions across the continent. Unlike the massive stone structures of ancient Egypt, sub-Saharan Africa has fewer examples of monumental stone sculptures, with Great Zimbabwe and Aksum being notable exceptions. However, stone has been associated with the notions of inevitability and permanence in some African societies, such as the Kongo, where it has been used in sculpture.
   
   

   Although many traditional forms of stone carving have not persisted to the present day, some contemporary African artists have revived and developed the use of stone as a medium in their artistic expressions. One prominent artistic movement that emerged in the late 1950s is contemporary Zimbabwean stone sculpture, which was initiated by Frank McEwen, the director of the National Museum of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). McEwen, a British artist, encouraged local Shona artists to work in stone, drawing inspiration from the ancient ruins and sculptures of Great Zimbabwe. This movement has continued to thrive, with many artists in Zimbabwe and other African countries producing stone sculptures today.

   Stone carving in African art requires exceptional skill and craftsmanship. Artisans typically use various types of stone, such as serpentine, soapstone, and granite, which are locally available in different regions. The process of carving stone involves carefully chiseling away the excess material to reveal the desired form. Artisans often use traditional hand tools, such as chisels, hammers, and rasps, to shape the stone and bring their artistic vision to life.

   One notable characteristic of contemporary Zimbabwean stone sculpture is the emphasis on the natural beauty of the stone itself. Artists often work with the stone's inherent colors, patterns, and textures, allowing the unique qualities of the material to shine through in their creations. The sculptures often depict human figures, animals, and abstract forms, and are characterized by their smooth lines, bold shapes, and intricate detailing. Many Zimbabwean stone sculptures also convey spiritual, social, and political themes, reflecting the artist's cultural and personal perspectives.

   Stone sculptures in African art are not limited to Zimbabwe alone. In other regions of Africa, stone has also been used for various purposes, such as creating ancestral monuments, grave markers, and ceremonial objects. For example, the stelae at Aksum in Ethiopia, dating back to the ancient Aksumite civilization, are massive stone obelisks that served as markers for royal tombs and important religious sites. These towering structures, carved from a single block of stone, stand as enduring symbols of the civilization's power and prestige.

4. Metal: Metalwork is a significant component of African art, with skilled artisans utilizing various techniques and materials to create stunning metal objects that hold cultural, religious, and ceremonial significance.

   One common technique used in African metalwork is casting, which involves melting metal and pouring it into a mold to create a desired shape. The lost-wax casting technique is widely employed in African art, where a wax model is coated in clay, heated to melt the wax and harden the clay, and then filled with molten metal. This technique allows for intricate and detailed sculptures to be created, with the final piece exhibiting smooth lines, intricate patterns, and bold shapes.

   Artisans often work with metals such as brass, bronze, and iron to create their masterpieces. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is a popular material in African metalwork due to its malleability and durability. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is also commonly used and is known for its distinct reddish-brown color and ability to hold intricate details. Iron, though less commonly used, is still employed by skilled artisans who are proficient in forging and shaping this harder material.

   Once the metal has been cast or shaped, artisans may use techniques such as forging, engraving, and soldering to further embellish their creations. Forging involves heating the metal and hammering it into shape, while engraving involves carving or incising designs onto the metal surface. Soldering, a technique that uses heat and a filler material, is often used to join different metal pieces together or to attach other materials such as beads or shells to the metal object.

   The finished metal artworks in African art often take on a wide range of forms, including sculptures, masks, jewelry, weapons, and ceremonial objects. These objects are often adorned with intricate patterns, symbols, and designs that hold deep cultural meanings and reflect the beliefs, traditions, and social status of the community or individual. Metal sculptures, for example, may depict human figures, animals, or mythological creatures, and are often used in religious or ceremonial contexts. Metal jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and anklets, are often worn as adornments or used as symbols of wealth, status, or protection.

5. Clay: Clay, or terracotta, has been utilized for thousands of years to create remarkable works of African art. The earliest surviving artifacts from Africa, found in the Sahara Desert and dated to the eighth millennium B.C., include terracotta objects such as vessels and figurative sculptures, collectively known as Nok tradition. Terracotta works are also used in important rituals, particularly those associated with funerary practices.

   The technique of working with clay to create ceramic vessels is highly developed throughout Africa, and it is predominantly practiced by women. Unlike the use of a potter's wheel, vessels are usually hand-built using coiling or molding techniques. Skilled potters can create perfectly formed vessels using these methods. Once the vessel is dried, it is fired outside in open pits. Decoration is often applied before firing, with designs worked into the clay or slip or vegetal solutions applied. The firing process, similar to metalworking, is also accompanied by rituals and taboos to ensure successful results. Even today, many potters continue to use traditional methods of production, although some contemporary ceramic artists may incorporate new technologies in their work.

   In addition to vessels and figurative sculptures, clay in its most basic form, mud, is also widely used in African architecture. Mud serves as a building material, either applied over a preexisting framework or used in the form of mud bricks. Mud is also used for the exterior decoration of houses, where it can be molded into relief designs or used as paint. One of the most famous examples of mud brick architecture in Africa is the Great Mosque at Jenne, Mali, originally built in the thirteenth century. This mosque, believed to be the largest adobe structure in the world, is a testament to the impressive achievements of African architecture.

   The use of clay in African art is not limited to traditional techniques and materials. Contemporary African artists continue to explore and experiment with clay, pushing the boundaries of traditional methods while preserving the rich cultural heritage associated with this ancient material. From terracotta vessels and figurative sculptures to mud brick architecture and modern ceramic artworks, clay remains a significant and enduring element in the diverse and rich artistic traditions of Africa.

6. Fiber: Fiber is another important material used in African art, particularly in the creation of textiles and sculptures. Various natural fibers such as cotton, raffia, sisal, and palm leaves are skillfully woven, braided, or twined to create a wide range of artistic forms.

   Textile weaving is a significant fiber art form in Africa, with intricate patterns and designs created using traditional weaving techniques. For example, the Ashanti people of Ghana are renowned for their skillful weaving of colorful kente cloth, which involves complex patterns and motifs created by carefully interlacing different colored threads on a loom. The Dogon people of Mali also create intricate textiles using narrow strips of handwoven cotton, which are then sewn together to create larger textiles with symbolic designs and patterns.

   Fiber is also used in the creation of sculptures and masks in African art. For instance, the Bamileke people of Cameroon are known for their elaborate beaded elephant masks, where a wooden or wire framework is covered with colorful beads, often in intricate patterns. Raffia, a natural fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, is commonly used in the creation of sculptures and masks in Central and West Africa. Artisans use techniques such as coiling, plaiting, and wrapping to create sculptures and masks with raffia, which are then often adorned with other materials such as beads, shells, and feathers.

   In addition to textiles and sculptures, fiber is also used in African art for functional objects such as baskets, mats, and bags. Basket weaving is a widespread craft in many African societies, with artisans using different types of natural fibers to create a wide array of functional and decorative baskets. For example, the Zulu people of South Africa are known for their intricate and colorful baskets made from palm leaves, which are woven using a coiling technique and often feature unique designs and patterns.

   Fiber in African art is not only valued for its aesthetic qualities but also for its cultural significance. Many African societies have deep-rooted traditions and symbolism associated with the use of fiber in their art, which reflects their beliefs, customs, and way of life. Fiber art in Africa also often involves communal or collaborative efforts, where multiple artisans, often women, work together to create elaborate and meaningful pieces. This underscores the social and cultural importance of fiber in African art, which goes beyond its artistic and decorative aspects.

7. Other Media: African artists utilize a diverse array of materials and media to create their artworks. Beads, for instance, are commonly used across Africa to create prestigious objects. These beads can be made from various materials such as seeds, shells, bone, or coral, and are often sourced locally. Some beads, particularly glass beads, may be imported from India or Europe in significant quantities. Animal hide, known for its strength and durability, is also employed in the creation of objects such as shields or garments.
   
   Different materials are often combined to achieve practical, symbolic, or aesthetic effects, adding depth and meaning to the artworks. Additionally, organic materials obtained from plants or animals may be incorporated or applied to objects for ritualistic purposes, imbuing the artworks with cultural significance.
   
   A unique technique observed in some parts of eastern Nigeria involves covering a wooden form with animal skin, adding a distinct visual element. Furthermore, contemporary African artists also incorporate Western techniques and materials such as photography and concrete in their artworks, showcasing the dynamic and evolving nature of African art.

In conclusion, African art is characterized by a rich diversity of materials and techniques used in its creation. From beads to animal hide, organic materials to contemporary Western techniques, African artists employ a wide range of media to express their cultural heritage, creativity, and artistic vision. The combination of traditional and modern materials adds depth and complexity to African artworks, showcasing the dynamic evolution of African art over time.

One notable platform that showcases and sells African art on canvas is www.tingatingaart.com. This online gallery offers a wide range of African art pieces, including paintings created using the renowned Tingatinga art style from Tanzania, which features vibrant colors and bold compositions. Such platforms provide a means for African artists to share their unique creations with a global audience, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation for African art.

In summary, the materials and techniques used in African art reflect the diverse cultural heritage, artistic skills, and evolving artistic practices of African artists. From traditional materials to contemporary innovations, African art continues to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts worldwide, with platforms like www.tingatingaart.com serving as a gateway for accessing and appreciating the richness of African art on canvas.