ROLES OF WOMEN
IN AFRICAN ART
in the family, in society, in the spirit world
Student Exhibition
by
Jayne F. Matricardi
INTRODUCTION
African art, when first seen in the United States, was displayed in "curiosity cabinets"
in natural history museums. Far from being considered art, the objects were valued for
their strange, exotic, and "primitive" natures. Because the objects did not follow the
classic aesthetic conventions of the Greeks, they were considered ugly and raw. Later, in the
twentieth century, African art was rediscover by avant garde critics and artists. (Seiber 14)
In 1915 in Paris the world saw the first exhibit of African art not African artifacts. Seen in
a new context, the gallery, the objects were considered beautifully primitive, and honest.
The African aesthetic had a huge impact on the Western world's new modern
aesthetic. The African art had not changed, but the Western perception of it had.
The Western perception of African Art is still changing today. Currently giant leaps are
being made regarding museums' roles in the displaying and labeling of African art. For
example, more is being done to include the cultural context of the objects. Incorporation
of the cultural context gives viewers a greater understanding of the objects, and it also
provides a meaningful connection to the viewer's everyday life.
Most pieces of African art have strong moral connotations which directly relate to today's
society. The African concept of "family" contains universal values. The family in Africa is
most important. Furthermore, the future of the family lies in the children so great care is taken in
the raising and teaching of children. The benefits of studing the African family is becoming
more widely known. The title of Hilary Clinton's new book, "It takes a Village", is taken
from an African proverb meaning that the whole village must be involved in the raising of
children. And, the whole village reveres the women who bear the future generation.
The ability to produce and raise healthy children is primary. Without exception, an African
woman's most important role is that of mother. This being the case,
much African art emphasizes images of women, children, and fertility. Yet,
this is not the only role African women play in their society. This exhibit examines
various roles of women as portrayed in African art. I have divided the roles into three general categories: family, society, and the spirit world. Yet, these should not be viewed as fixed divisions. In African societies, family life, public life, and the world of ancestors and spirits are never separate. The worlds mingle and overlap in harmony.
While reading and viewing the exhibition, click on an image for a closer view. Click on the link which says "Map of Africa" to see the location of the societies from which the images have been gathered.
Please feel free to send me
e-mail
with comments or questions.
THE EXHIBITION:
Women's Roles in the Family
Women's Roles in Society
Women's Roles in the Spirit World
Map of Africa
Bibliography