\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
\n
ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
\n
ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
\n
ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
\"African
Fatoumata Ba at work (Photo Credit: kapitalafrik.com<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
\n
ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Stone
Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ivory
Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bronze
Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terracotta
Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Bead
Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Thread
Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Animal
Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
\n

TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

\n
  • The Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda of the World Economic Forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"African
    Fatoumata Ba at work (Photo Credit: kapitalafrik.com<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

    Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

    How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    \n
    ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

    What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

    What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

    Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

    African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

     <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Stone
    Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Ivory
    Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bronze
    Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Terracotta
    Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bead
    Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Thread
    Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Animal
    Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

    Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
    African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
    \n

    TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

    \n
  • The Council of Women in Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda of the World Economic Forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"African
    Fatoumata Ba at work (Photo Credit: kapitalafrik.com<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

    Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

    How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    \n
    ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

    What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

    What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

    Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

    African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

     <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Stone
    Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Ivory
    Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bronze
    Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Terracotta
    Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bead
    Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Thread
    Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Animal
    Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

    Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
    African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
    \n

    TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

    \n
  • The Board & Investment Committee of Creadev Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Council of Women in Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda of the World Economic Forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"African
    Fatoumata Ba at work (Photo Credit: kapitalafrik.com<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

    Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

    How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    \n
    ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

    What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

    What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

    Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

    African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

     <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Stone
    Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Ivory
    Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bronze
    Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Terracotta
    Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bead
    Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Thread
    Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Animal
    Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

    Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
    African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
    \n

    TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

    \n
  • The Board of SouthBridge Investment Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Board & Investment Committee of Creadev Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Council of Women in Africa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda of the World Economic Forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"African
    Fatoumata Ba at work (Photo Credit: kapitalafrik.com<\/a>)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Well, we all agree that Fatoumata Ba is a young African champion from whom we can all draw inspiration. Unfavorable cultures and systems should not be our stumbling blocks from reaching our destiny or achieving our dreams. Instead, they should be our mind openers and catalysts pushing us to think outside the box. She has swiftly beaten all odds and helped others to succeed while at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sadly, only 27% of Africa\u2019s entrepreneurs are women. Fatoumata appreciates the women who are at it for survival. She believes that by economically empowering women and girls, she will be establishing a better and sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Returnee Spotlight: How Fatoumata Ba Built The Largest E-commerce Platform In Africa","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"returnee-spotlight-how-fatoumata-ba-built-the-largest-e-commerce-platform-in-africa","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-04 06:26:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=310337","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":401816,"post_author":"10061","post_date":"2021-06-28 16:13:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:13:00","post_content":"\n\nThe world of fashion is absolutely benefiting from up-and-coming fashion designers in Africa. 33-year-old fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana, shares the success stories of what made Thabo Makhetha<\/a> a global brand with African Vibes. We enjoyed talking to her and we believe you will too. Hopefully, this story will serve as an inspiration to aspiring designers to aim for the global stage. Obviously, there is no height you cannot reach as long as you set your mind towards it.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301892\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1367\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Natali Field<\/em>[\/caption]\n

    Who is Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana?<\/h2>\nI\u2019m a fashion designer, wife, and mother of two boys. I was born in Lesotho, but my family left when I was three years old and I've lived across South Africa; Johannesburg, Mafikeng, KwaZulu-Natal, Port Elizabeth, and now, Cape Town. South Africa is one of the most diverse countries in the world and being exposed to the different communities gave me an appreciation for culture and heritage.\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0Designer Spotlight: Yohannes Sisters Take Ethiopian Fashion To The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nI studied Fashion Design at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University<\/a> and started my business in 2009 the year after my graduation. Things really kicked off with Durban July<\/a>, back in 2013, the theme for the event was royalty. I designed the \"Rose Coat\"<\/a> inspired by my heritage and made from the Basotho blankets. It was such a hit at the event, people were asking for my number and I even won the Best Dressed award. And really, that was one of the big pushes in terms of working with the Basotho blankets.\n\nThe other big break came when Jackie Burger<\/a>, then editor of Elle<\/a>, bought one of my capes at Design Indaba<\/a> and wore it to the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, France. She was seated front-row and even wrote an editor's article about the event, the cape she wore, and how it drew so much attention. It was a real honor. Those are basically the two catalysts that pushed the brand forward.\n\n\n

    How did you get into fashion, and what are your motivations and training?<\/h2>\nHonestly, it's just something I've always wanted to do. My Grandmother was a seamstress and so some of that came from her. When I was a kid, I would make clothes for my dolls and when whilst I was still in school, my mom bought me my first sewing machine. In high school, I\u2019d sketch and sew dresses for the dances I went to. So even before I went to study fashion, I was already designing.\n\nMy biggest motivation is that this is my passion and purpose. If I wasn\u2019t creating, I don't know what else I'd be doing. I've always grown up knowing that I've got a talent and it's got to do with my hands. I also paint and create artworks in my spare time so one can say it comes naturally.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301903\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    \n
    ALSO READ: Designer Spotlight: Mzukisi Mbane Is Building Afro-Futuristic Fashion<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    So, tell us more about your brand and when it was launched<\/h2>\nThe brand was launched in 2009, I had ambitions of interning in Europe, but the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding so there were no opportunities. I started off fulfilling individual clients' orders, basically dressmaking. It was great when clients came in, I could design something custom for them\u2014which was always my preference.\n\nMy most iconic design would have to be the \"Starburst Coat\"<\/a> it was voted the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa, by then Elle-editor, Ellie Gamabade. The \u201cRose Coat\u201d that won best dressed at Durban July is another. My best selling item is the long cape, which Kefilwe Mabote<\/a> wore and it just went viral. She looked brilliant in it, and it's one of my favorite pieces to make.\n\n\n

    What has been your biggest breakthrough so far? Have you participated in any runway events?<\/h2>\nMy runway debut was at Vancouver Fashion Week 2014, which was phenomenal considering I hadn\u2019t yet shown in South Africa. Since then I\u2019ve showcased on several occasions at South Africa Fashion Weeks, Cape Town Fashion Week and I\u2019ve also showcased internationally in the UK, Italy, USA, and at the African Union in Addis Ababa.\n\nMy breakthrough has to be my Basotho blanket range for which my brand is mostly known and once again credit to events such as Design Indaba and people like Jackie Burger. I think having an influential fashion icon put their money down, invest in a brand, and use their influence to sell the brand makes the most impact.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301908\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1195\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: MaXhosa by Laduna Knitwear Brand<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    What are the biggest challenges you've encountered so far and how did you overcome them?<\/h2>\nHonestly, up to date, I think my biggest challenge, not just with COVID-19 and being a Mother, was that I had quite hectic medical issues last year. I think my biggest lesson from that was, people called me a workaholic. I am just learning that you also need to rest because it can take its toll. It did, and everything came to a standstill. So, we're still recovering from that, working backward from that. It's also given me time to actually look at the business as a whole and reanalyze what it is that we are doing and if we're doing it the best way we actually can.\n

    What do you think about the African Fashion industry?<\/h2>\nThe African fashion industry, well, it depends which area and which region you're in. I think it's kind of unfair to try and box an entire continent's fashion industry into one subtitle. When I look, we are making strides. Our fashion designers are often only recognized when they move overseas, which I don't think is entirely correct. Big ups to people like Maxhosa Laduma<\/a> doing his thing, in his brand, and he is still based in South Africa.\n\n\n\nIt would be wonderful to also see bigger names in films of Africans that still reside in Africa. Because I think it plays a lot and says a lot when you can achieve big things from your home country and export those creations that you make versus having to go outside of your home country and prove yourself there. Unfortunately, the country that takes the credit is typically the country that you live in.\n\nOtherwise, the fashion industry as a whole is so creative. There are so many things that are still out there. It still has a lot of growth that needs to happen. And not just the fashion that you see, but also at the beginning in terms of the manufacturing, the processing of raw materials. For example, if you look at Lesotho, the wool comes from there, but it's not processed there. They don't even sell their own blankets. So, there's a lot of things like that when you look at the chain that needs to still get developed and evolve. But I think, you know, people are hearing our voice, which is great.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_301909\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"2048\"]\"Thabo Photo credit: Tando Guzana<\/em>[\/caption]\n\n
    ALSO READ:\u00a0DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Ivorian Designer Loza Mal\u00e9ombho Is Afronizing Women Clothing And Footwear<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n

    Any expansion plans and where do you see your brand in five years?<\/h2>\nI think I'm re-evaluating the brand. I do believe that we won't just be about clothing in the future. There will be more aspects to the brand than that. And more than anything, it's the storytelling. Not just about the clothes, or about my home country, Lesotho, but also teaching people about self-expression. Teaching people about taking pride in their identity, especially as an African. And the challenges we obviously come across. You know you look at the USA and what's going on. You look at our own country's history and some areas where we still live today, what's going on. So I think for me, I want to be more about the community and the mentality, than just beautiful clothing and beautiful creations.\n\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/jWloCg71XKM\n

    Advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?<\/h2>\nNumber one, don't limit yourself to one thing. You are a creative, you can recreate and keep creating. Do not get trapped in the whole thing of, \"Oh, that was my idea and so-and-so took it.\" I've been down that road and there are no benefits trying to fight half of those battles. You have to keep one step ahead of the others all the time. Measure yourself against yourself, measure your success against what you did previously, and have fun, enjoy it, and balance.\n\n\n\nBalance the work, balance the play and, balance the fun. If you have family, balance the family. You can't just channel everything into one thing because you have to keep finding ways to fill yourself up again. And typically, you find that outside of the fashion, outside of the creativity, with family, with friends, with time off. So, that's my advice to up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs already doing their thing.\n\nFor further information, please see Thabo Makheta-Kwinana's Brand's Website: Thabo Makhetha<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","post_title":"Interview With Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana SA Multi-Award Winning Fashion Designer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"thabo-makhetha-kwinana-sa-multi-award-winning-fashion-designer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-16 16:16:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=301886","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":298039,"post_author":"10056","post_date":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-24 18:05:00","post_content":"\n

    African art is versatile and comes in different shapes and sizes. Perhaps, this fascination was the reason behind the looting of African artworks by colonial masters. World Art Day provides an avenue through which the world can discover the dynamism and continuity of African art. As the 2021 celebration draws near, it is important for us to look at the evolution of African arts. But what is World Art Day and how did it start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is World Art Day?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is a day set aside to celebrate and promote the enjoyment, diffusion, and development of art across the world. Each year, nations celebrate World Art Day on April 15. These celebrations go a long way in reinforcing the connections between artistic works and society. Also, they highlight artists' contribution to sustainable development and encourage a greater cognizance of the diverseness of artistic expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Another Nigerian Visual Artist Sells Artwork For Over Half A Million Dollars<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The International Association of Art (IAA), which is a partner of UNESCO, adopted this day to promote the awareness of art worldwide. In 2011, IAA proposed the celebration of World Art Day during its 17th General Assembly held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Consequently, the first World Art Day celebration<\/a> was held in 2012, supported by over 100 artists from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Association chose April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s birthday. Leonardo is regarded as a symbol of freedom of expression, world peace, brotherhood, and multiculturalism. Also, he is a testament to the impact of fine arts on different fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is the Theme for World Art Day 2021?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The theme of the 2021 celebration is \u201cYou\u2019re Not Alone\u201d. In her message to the world, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO\u2019s Director-General, said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWith hundreds of thousands of people directly affected by the virus and billions more either in lockdown or battling the pandemic on the front lines, this World Art Day is a timely reminder that art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Return Of Precious African Artworks From France Excites Benin Museum<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

     <\/em>\u201cSince March 2020, we have seen a multitude of artists and institutions lead resilience-building cultural initiatives. The time of COVID-19 is thus, undeniably, also a time of opening up towards others and to culture, which reinforces the relationship between artistic creation and society.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is a lot that people can learn from African art and artworks from other cultures. So, on this day, UNESCO urges everyone to celebrate and appreciate art through different activities. These include cultural events, workshops, conferences, debates, exhibitions, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What makes African Art Unique?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Many people are captivated by African art because of its unique designs and features. These attributes reflect the diverse and rich history and culture of different tribes and places in Africa. Most African artwork comes in forms such as dolls, paintings, masks, and sculptures. Several aspects differentiate art in Africa from artworks from other parts of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0Three Young Innovators Create Rwanda\u2019s First Artwork Online Marketplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For example, Western artwork tends to be produced under strict canons of representation. But many societies in Africa encourage creativity and innovation in both form and style among their artists. African art favors visual abstraction more than naturalistic representation. Besides, it is more inclined to three-dimensional creations than two-dimensional art. Thus, African art is mostly in performance contexts and tends to portray multiple of meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growth of African Art <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The origins of art in African go far beyond documented history. For example, the rock art in the Sahara Desert preserves carvings that are believed to be 6000 years old. The earliest sculptures in Africa are associated with the Nok culture of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Over the years, the African culture has evolved and transformed in form and meaning. Today, Africa is full of contemporary art culture. What makes African art fascinating is not just how it is produced but also the unique materials that create it. This begs the question: What are these materials?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7 Unusual Materials used in African Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    1. Stones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Stone
    Stone Carvings in Egypt [Photo credit: Britannica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Stone is the oldest art material used by man. In art, stone sculptures are created through calving. It all starts with an artist conceptualizing a figure or an image in their head. Then, using certain tools, they start nibbling at a huge rock until they bring the image to life. One uniqueness of stone artworks is that they are almost indestructible. Thus, in Africa, some artworks date thousands of years. A good example is the huge stone structure in Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Ivory<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Ivory
    Ivory Carvings [Photo credit: Smithsonian]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    ALSO READ: 20 Best African Galleries For Tribal Art<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory from elephant tusks is an expensive, luxurious, and symbolic material. The value of ivory stems from its qualities such as strength, demand, smoothness, and density. Usually, ivory artwork is created through calving. Artists who create wood carvings can also carve ivory. This is because the process of producing artwork from these two materials is similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ivory artwork in many African societies often symbolizes power, strength, and leadership. Although ivory is not common in contemporary African art, it was a popular art material in ancient societies. In the ancient Benin Kingdom, the use of ivory artwork was exclusively to symbolize royalty. In DR Congo, ivory artifacts were a reserve for political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Bronze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bronze
    Bronze African Hunter Sculpture\u00a0[Photo credit: Dronzeafrica]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Metal is a common material in African art. Most metal artworks are mainly bronze and brass copper alloys. Bronze in art is considered a precious material and is used to show power and wealth. Bronze artifacts are made through casting. But this is not the only method. Some artists produce bronze artwork by hammering the metal to make the shape they want. Another ancient technique used to produce bronze artwork is lost-wax casting. In West Africa, some precious stones and ivory are ornamented with bronze castings to make them more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Clay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Terracotta
    Terracotta Nok Clay Art [Photo credit: Scitechdaily]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ: 10 Prominent Ways Africans Showcase Their Culture<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is the most abundant art material in Africa. Creating clay ceramic vessels is a popular technique in Africa. Traditionally, the technique is mostly performed by women. Seasoned potters use their hands to mold art vessels without a potter's wheel. Clay is the most basic African art material and for this reason, its use across the continent is highly developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clay is not only used in artwork but also as a building and decoration. Figurative objects, vessels, and terracotta's Nok are examples of clay art in Africa. Traditional methods of making clay artifacts are widely used across Africa. However, potters continue to adopt new technologies in clay work to scale their production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Beads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Bead
    Bead Artwork [Photo credit: Metmuseum]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    African artists have over the years created beautiful bead artworks of different kinds. Also, they use beads to encrust hats, crowns, religious garments, sculptures, and fashioned vessels. Beads are either sewn onto fabric, wrapped around sculptures, or strung together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a010 Bloggers Share DIY Tricks To Make African Waist Beads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These art materials have intrinsic flexibility that enables African artists to convey identity, political, and religious messages. In ancient times, African artists made beads from organic materials such as seeds, shells, and bones. Contemporary artists are however using imported glass beads because they are readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Threads<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Thread
    Thread African Art Work [Photo credit: Weave Deck]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Threads are used extensively in Africa even though they are not as popular as clay and other art materials. So, African artists obtain threads from locally sourced wool, palm leaves, cotton, and bark, or silk. Occasionally, artists get threads from imported rayon that is woven on looms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In West Africa, women use threads to weave wide lengths of clothes on vertical looms. Men. on the other hand, weave narrow, long strips on horizontal looms. Then, artists decorate the woven piece to produce beautiful African art. Some common decoration methods include stamping, painting, and dyeing. Common examples of thread art products include baskets and hats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ALSO READ:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a010 African Innovations To Watch In 2021<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Animal skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"Animal
    Animal Skin Artwork [Photo credit: Meowshka]<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Artists in Africa have for long used animal skin or hide in their artworks. Once a domestic animal is slaughtered, artists remove and dry the skin to preserve it. Then, they clean the dried animal skins mostly by scrubbing. When making artwork, they shape it into desired forms by hand to encase certain wooden or metal creations. Also, artists paint hides to produce colorful paintings. Sometimes, they cut long hides into thin yet strong strings and use them in various ways including joining art pieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Art nurtures cultural diversity, innovation, and creativity among African artists. It plays a significant role in preserving culture, sharing knowledge, and fostering dialogue. These are qualities that African art has always had. Thus, World Art Day is a great initiative that will help the world to discover and appreciate art in Africa. Also, it fosters platforms that seek to promote and protect artists and artistic freedom.<\/p>\n","post_title":"World Art Day: 7 Unusual Materials Used In African Art","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"world-art-day-7-unusual-materials-used-in-african-art","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-16 17:10:32","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.africanvibes.com\/?p=298039","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":1081,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-21 02:09:04","post_content":"\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_289165\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1448\"]\"Muammar The leader de facto of Libya, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Image by Ag\u00eancia Brasil, via WikiCommons<\/a>.<\/em>[\/caption]\n\nFor decades, Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi pushed for a

    Historic Africa Free Trade Agreement Is Now Official; Making Africa The Largest Free Trade Area In The World<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nWhen he won the top seat at the
    African Union Agenda 2063: A Promising Trajectory For Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\nGaddafi was not the first African leader pushing for this agenda. African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah believed Africa's future relied on it and pushed Pan Africanism as the path toward a better future for all Africa and Africans.\n\n\n\nThis idea is still touted by leaders like Julius Malema.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8ctCYjNAYy8\n\nSo why isn't there the United States of Africa? Some have made arguments on this very question.\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=_GZ0terWMls\n\nIs the United States of Africa an idea that if pursued will finally earn Africa her rightful place on the global stage or is it a pipe dream? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.\n
    \n

    TAKE OUR POLL<\/h2>\n[totalpoll id=\"319083\"]\n\n<\/div>","post_title":"DISCUSSION: Was Late President Gadaffi's 'United States Of Africa' A Pipedream Or Simply A Matter Of Time?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"discussion-is-gadaffis-united-states-of-africa-a-pipedream-or-simply-a-matter-of-time","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_modified_gmt":"2024-08-12 21:32:50","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/africanvibes.wpengine.com\/?p=4178","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"15","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};

    \n