Contextualization

Introduction to Medieval African Art

African art is an expansive and diverse field, encompassing numerous regions, cultures, and periods of time. The focus of our project will be on Medieval African Art, which developed between the 9th and 15th centuries, a period marked by significant socio-political changes and the rise of several African empires.

During this time, art in Africa was not solely for aesthetic purposes, but also served as a means of communication, education, and religious expression. The art was often a reflection of the societal hierarchy, religious beliefs, and the environment. It took various forms such as sculptures, masks, textiles, and pottery, each with its unique style and symbolism.

The Importance of Studying Medieval African Art

The study of Medieval African Art offers valuable insights into the rich history, diverse cultures, and profound creativity of African societies. It challenges the common narrative that Africa is a place devoid of cultural and artistic contributions, a misconception that has been perpetuated by Western-centric perspectives.

By examining the art of this period, we can also understand the intricate connections between art, religion, and politics in African societies. Art played a pivotal role in religious ceremonies, used as a medium to communicate with the spiritual world, and as a symbol of power and authority by the ruling elite.

Resources

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Art of Africa
2. Khan Academy: African Art
3. The British Museum: African Art and Artefacts
4. Book: "A History of Art in Africa" by Monica Blackmun Visona, Robin Poynor, and Herbert M. Cole.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Medieval African Artifacts: An Exploration through Creation"

Objective of the Project

The group should research, contextualize, and emulate an art piece from the Medieval African era, focusing on the style, symbolism, and the socio-cultural context. The chosen artifact can be a sculpture, a mask, a textile, or a pottery piece. The purpose of this project is to not only understand the art of the time but also to engage the students in an interactive and creative learning experience.

Detailed Description of the Project

The project will span over one week, and the students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group will research and choose an art piece from the Medieval African era. They will then create a replica or an original piece inspired by the chosen artifact, keeping in mind the context, style, symbolism, and materials used in the original piece.

Necessary Materials

• Internet access for research.
• Art supplies for the creation of the replica or the original piece (clay, paint, fabric, etc.).
• Presentation materials (poster board, markers, etc.).
• A digital camera or smartphone for documentation purposes.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Research and Artifact Selection (Day 1): Each group should conduct thorough research on Medieval African Art, focusing on the chosen region, period, and type of art they are interested in. They need to select an art piece that interests them and is feasible for replication or reinterpretation.

2. Contextualization (Day 2): Once the art piece is chosen, the group should delve deep into its context. They should research the societal, political, and religious influences during that time, and how these influences are reflected in the chosen art piece.

3. Design and Creation (Days 3-5): Based on their research, the group should design their replica or original piece inspired by the chosen artifact. They should use materials that are similar to what would have been used in the Medieval African era. Each member of the group should actively participate in the creation process.

4. Presentation Preparation (Day 6): The group should prepare a presentation about their chosen art piece, the context, and their creation process. They should also prepare to discuss the symbolism and the socio-cultural significance of their art piece.

5. Presentation (Day 7): Each group will present their work to the class. They should explain the relevance of their art piece in the Medieval African context, discuss the symbolism and the materials used, and reflect on their creative process.

6. Writing the Report (Day 7): After the presentation, each group should write a report detailing their project. The report should be structured into four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

   • Introduction: The students should contextualize the theme, its relevance, and the objective of the project. They should also include a brief description of the chosen art piece and its significance in the Medieval African context.

   • Development: The students should detail their research, the context of the chosen art piece, and their creation process. They should also discuss the symbolism and socio-cultural significance of their art piece.

   • Conclusions: The students should summarize their main findings, reflect on the project, and draw conclusions about the importance of studying Medieval African Art.

   • Bibliography: The students should include all the resources they used for their research.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group will submit the following:

1. A replica or original art piece inspired by a Medieval African artifact.
2. A presentation about their art piece, including its context, symbolism, and the creative process.
3. A written report following the provided structure.

The project aims to assess the students' understanding of Medieval African Art, their ability to research, analyze, and contextualize art pieces, and their creativity in replicating or reinterpreting these art pieces. It also encourages teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and presentation skills.