Exploring African Art: Key Artists, Cultural Artifacts, and Historical Significance

1. Who created the wall sculpture 'Old Man's Cloth' using aluminum and copper wire?

Pablo Picasso

Vincent van Gogh

Frida Kahlo

El Anatsui is the correct answer as he is the artist behind the creation of the wall sculpture 'Old Man's Cloth' using aluminum and copper wire. Anatsui used recycled materials to represent woven materials and rich textiles from Ghana and Nigeria, creating movement and imitating draped flowing fabric.

Explanation

El Anatsui is the correct answer as he is the artist behind the creation of the wall sculpture 'Old Man's Cloth' using aluminum and copper wire. Anatsui used recycled materials to represent woven materials and rich textiles from Ghana and Nigeria, creating movement and imitating draped flowing fabric.

2. What is the significance of the Sika Adwa or The Golden Stool of Asante?

6. Shrine and ceremonial purposes

1. Arshanti people

4. Ghana

The Golden Stool holds immense historical and cultural significance for the Asante people.

Explanation

The Golden Stool holds immense historical and cultural significance for the Asante people.

3. What is an Akuaba doll typically used for in Ghanaian culture?

A musical instrument used in ceremonies.

A type of traditional clothing worn during festivals.

A decorative item for the home.

The Akuaba doll is specifically used by women in Ghana who wish to conceive a child, not for other purposes mentioned in the incorrect answers.

Explanation

The Akuaba doll is specifically used by women in Ghana who wish to conceive a child, not for other purposes mentioned in the incorrect answers.

4. What is the significance of the Sapi-Portuguese Lidded Saltcellar from Sierra Leone?

1. A musical instrument used in traditional Sapi ceremonies.

3. A fishing tool utilized by the coastal communities in Sierra Leone.

2. A decorative item used in Sierra Leonean weddings.

The Sapi-Portuguese Lidded Saltcellar from Sierra Leone was specifically used for trade purposes between the Sapi people and the Portuguese. It had intricate engravings and was made of valuable ivory, not for ceremonial, decorative, or fishing purposes.

Explanation

The Sapi-Portuguese Lidded Saltcellar from Sierra Leone was specifically used for trade purposes between the Sapi people and the Portuguese. It had intricate engravings and was made of valuable ivory, not for ceremonial, decorative, or fishing purposes.

5. What material is the Yoruba Mask made of?

Leather

Clay

Wood

The Yoruba Mask is made of Copper/Bronze as it is a heavy material with holes in the eyes that suggest it could have been worn.

Explanation

The Yoruba Mask is made of Copper/Bronze as it is a heavy material with holes in the eyes that suggest it could have been worn.

6. What does the Igbo Ikenga Personal Altar represent?

A medicinal herb used by the Igbo people

A type of African cooking utensil

A traditional tribal dance

The Igbo Ikenga Personal Altar represents a combination of ancestors and one's chi, serving as a personal shrine or obi.

Explanation

The Igbo Ikenga Personal Altar represents a combination of ancestors and one's chi, serving as a personal shrine or obi.

7. What is the significance of the Benin Plaques?

Typical household decorations in Benin

Hunting tools used by the Benin people

Pieces of armor worn by warriors in battle

The Benin Plaques were not typical household decorations, armor worn by warriors, or hunting tools. They were used as propaganda to celebrate the power of the King and show the wealth of the society and trade with the Portuguese.

Explanation

The Benin Plaques were not typical household decorations, armor worn by warriors, or hunting tools. They were used as propaganda to celebrate the power of the King and show the wealth of the society and trade with the Portuguese.

8. What object is depicted in the artwork?

C. Wooden sculpture depicting a family scene

A. Textile weaving technique

B. Traditional musical instrument

The artwork is a depiction of a Flywhisk handle and staff finial from the 9th-10th Century in Igbo Ukwu, Nigeria, made of Leaded Bronze. The casting implies both travel and trade, with horses associated with leaders and title-taking, and the rider's face displaying scarification linked with titles and the Nri people.

Explanation

The artwork is a depiction of a Flywhisk handle and staff finial from the 9th-10th Century in Igbo Ukwu, Nigeria, made of Leaded Bronze. The casting implies both travel and trade, with horses associated with leaders and title-taking, and the rider's face displaying scarification linked with titles and the Nri people.

9. What is the significance of the Crest Mask from the Cross River Region of Nigeria?

Commonly worn during harvest festivals in the Cross River Region.

A symbol of power and authority in traditional Nigerian settings.

Used for hunting purposes in the Cross River Region of Nigeria.

The Crest Mask from the Cross River Region of Nigeria represents the ideal beauty of a woman and is used mainly in masquerades for funerals and initiation of new members. It is worn on top of the head attached to a basketry cap held by a chinstrap, showcasing various materials and scarification patterns.

Explanation

The Crest Mask from the Cross River Region of Nigeria represents the ideal beauty of a woman and is used mainly in masquerades for funerals and initiation of new members. It is worn on top of the head attached to a basketry cap held by a chinstrap, showcasing various materials and scarification patterns.