Exam 37: Africa, 1800 to 1980

The door carved by Olowe of Ise is a very fine example of his work. It also records the presence of the Europeans as colonists among the Yoruba. What event is depicted on the doors?

How is this sculpture unique?

What does the royal regalia of the Kuba king represent?

Masquerades have long been a quintessential African expressive form loaded with meaning and cultural importance. Masquerades provided governmental functions for stateless societies. Which of the following groups of peoples would have masquerades?

How does the seated couple carved by the Dogon represent defined gender roles?

What is the purpose of a finely decorated stool or chair?

In Mende culture a broad, high forehead signifies which of the following?

How do the large composite Senufo masks function in their society?

What is the primary function of masks and masqueraders in traditional African culture?

How does this mask differ from a "Beautiful Lady" mask?

Why are bush spirits depicted as beautiful, ideal human figures in Baule sculpture?

How does the Kongo figural sculpture mirror Kongo society? How does it represent their belief systems, and how does this differ from the figural sculpture of the Dogon? Use examples to support your essay.

Elaborate cyclical masquerades occur in which of the following societies?

What is the Sande society of the Mende?

How does the sculpture of the Dogon differ from the sculpture of the Kongo?

Describe the impact of European and American contact on 20th-century African art. Include the contemporary influences as well. How have European and American contact changed African art and perceptions? Use examples to support your essay.

In which of the following societies can women control and dance certain masks?

What is the function of the Poro society in Senufo culture?

How has the role of masks and masquerades changed since African nations gained their independence?

Explain the interplay of realism and abstraction in African art. How does it amplify spiritual belief systems, and how is it changing? Use examples to support your essay.