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Boundless Art History
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Art History

Chapter 15

Africa Before 1800 CE

Book Version 18
By Boundless
Boundless Art History
Art History
by Boundless
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Section 1
Ancient Africa
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Ancient Africa

The origins of African art lie long before recorded history, beginning with the evolution of the human species. Over time, the continent became increasingly diverse in terms of culture, politics, and religion.

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Art of Ancient Africa

The art of ancient Africa is characterized by surviving sculptures, rock art, and architectural ruins.

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Rock Art in the Sahara

Ancient rock art in the Sahara provides a window into the art and culture of the prehistoric peoples of Africa.

Section 2
Sculpture of the Sub-Saharan Civilizations
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Sculpture of the Nok

Two of the best examples of ancient terra cotta sculptures are from the Nok culture in Nigeria and from an ancient culture living near Lydenburg, South Africa.

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Sculpture of the Igbo-Ukwu

The Nigerian town of Igbo-Ukwu is notable for archaeological sites where highly sophisticated bronze artifacts were discovered.

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Ile-Ife and Benin Sculpture

The Yoruba and Benin cultures produced sculptures most notably in bronze and ivory in modern Nigeria from the thirteenth through the nineteenth centuries.

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Sculpture of the Kingdom of Kongo

The Kingdom of Kongo was a highly developed state in the thirteenth century, best known for its nkisi or power objects.

Section 3
Architecture of the Sub-Saharan Civilizations
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Architecture of Djenne

Djenné, once a thriving town in Mali, is known for its Great Mosque, Sudanese-style mud-brick architecture.

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Architecture of Aksun and Lalibela

Aksum and Lalibela were cities in northern Ethiopia that, during their time, accomplished great feats of architecture.

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Architecture of Great Zimbabwe

Perhaps the most famous site in southern Africa, Great Zimbabwe is a ruined city constructed by the Mwenemutapa.

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Native-American Art Before 1300 CE
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Africa Before 1800 CE
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