A Tree of Life is a symbolic expression found in many cultures around the world. It represents wisdom, growth, transformation, interconnectedness, unity, and continuity. The Makonde people are a Bantu-speaking group of people in the southern part of Tanzania and northern Mozambique, who have been practicing wood carving for centuries as the main occupation. They have a rich history that is closely linked to their culture, religion, and art. I can just imagine living in the Southern Highland of Tanzania... savannas, woodlands, grasslands, and forests surrounding me like mother nature’s hugging envelope, not forgetting that the region is among the richest and most important production areas for grains and potatoes, and the main source of timber in Tanzania. Notably, we are aware...
The most beautiful dolls in Africa. The first time I laid my eyes on the Namji Dolls, I thought to myself… what an interesting masterpiece! Before long, I had laid my eyes on another, and another, and another, and it was as if I was looking at whole new creations, alike yet so different. Source Each Namji doll is carved with a unique stature and facial expression. Crafted by hand, they are considered original art pieces and often expensive.Their distinctive appearance that represent mother, father or child; carved into geometric shapes and adorned with colourful beads, metals, fibre, cowrie shells,coins and even leather, have created a large demand around the world for not only their shapes, but their deeper meaning. Art...
“They speak about a very sophisticated and complex court system.” - Barbara Plankensteiner, the director of the Museum am Rothenbaum in Hamburg. Throughout life, school… we face a complex shift in perception as different courses are introduced to us, that widen our scope of what we thought the world to be, and awaken our souls to what it actually is. The deepest connection and intrigue encountered so far, and still being rediscovered day by day is that of Africa’s Culture and Heritage… And where better to start, than at the roots of one of the oldest kingdoms in West Africa that started in the 900s. The mighty medieval capital. The Benin Dynasty ,started by Oba Oranmiyan, who was from the...
The art of the African continent is often inextricably linked to and influenced by religious and cultural traditions. Some cultures in Africa, like the Igbo and Dogon, continue to celebrate their ancient traditions with original cultural expressions that include music, dance and unique styles of figurines or sculptures.
