African Art: Rites of Passage
In many African societies, art plays an important role in various rites of passage throughout the cycle of life. These rituals mark an individual’s transition from one stage of life to another. The birth of a child, a youth’s coming of age, and the funeral of a respected elder are all events in which an individual undergoes a change of status.
During these transitional periods, individuals are considered to be especially vulnerable to spiritual forces. Art objects are therefore created and employed to assist in the rite of passage and to reinforce community values.
The birth of a child is an important event, not only for a family but for society as well.
Ideals of motherhood and nurturance are often expressed visually through figurative sculpture.
The importance of motherhood is symbolized by a gently swelling belly and lines of scarification radiating from the navel, considered the source of life.
figural sculptures are employed in ceremonies designed to assist women having difficulty conceiving.
Sculptures connect the physical and spiritual world.
Initiation, or the coming of age of a boy or girl, is a transition frequently marked by ceremony and celebration.
At the conclusion of this mentally and physically rigorous period of instruction, they are reintroduced to society as fully initiated adults and given the responsibilities and privileges that accompany their new status.
During initiation, artworks protect and impart moral lessons to the youths.
In many African societies, death is not considered an end but rather another transition. The passing of a respected elder is a time of grief and lamentation but also celebration.
Funeral ceremonies with masked performances serve to celebrate the life of an individual and to assist the soul of the deceased in his or her passage from the human realm to that of the spirits.
In some central African societies, certain bones of the deceased are believed to contain great power and are preserved in a reliquary.
During these transitional periods, individuals are considered to be especially vulnerable to spiritual forces. Art objects are therefore created and employed to assist in the rite of passage and to reinforce community values.
The birth of a child is an important event, not only for a family but for society as well.
Ideals of motherhood and nurturance are often expressed visually through figurative sculpture.
The importance of motherhood is symbolized by a gently swelling belly and lines of scarification radiating from the navel, considered the source of life.
figural sculptures are employed in ceremonies designed to assist women having difficulty conceiving.
Sculptures connect the physical and spiritual world.
Initiation, or the coming of age of a boy or girl, is a transition frequently marked by ceremony and celebration.
At the conclusion of this mentally and physically rigorous period of instruction, they are reintroduced to society as fully initiated adults and given the responsibilities and privileges that accompany their new status.
During initiation, artworks protect and impart moral lessons to the youths.
In many African societies, death is not considered an end but rather another transition. The passing of a respected elder is a time of grief and lamentation but also celebration.
Funeral ceremonies with masked performances serve to celebrate the life of an individual and to assist the soul of the deceased in his or her passage from the human realm to that of the spirits.
In some central African societies, certain bones of the deceased are believed to contain great power and are preserved in a reliquary.