Glossary
Adobe
A building material made from earth and organic materials, such as mud and straw, often formed into bricks and dried in the sun.
Example:
The Great Mosque of Djenné is a magnificent example of adobe architecture, requiring annual re-plastering to maintain its structural integrity against the elements.
Ashlar masonry
Finely dressed (cut, worked) stone, either square or rectangular, laid in parallel courses with fine joints, typically without the use of mortar.
Example:
The impressive walls of Great Zimbabwe, constructed with precisely fitted ashlar masonry, showcase advanced architectural skill without the need for binding agents.
Berlin Conference of 1884–1885
A conference held in Berlin where European powers regulated European colonization and trade in Africa, formalizing the 'Scramble for Africa'.
Example:
The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 is a critical historical event to understand the colonial impact on African art, as it set the stage for widespread European control.
Granary
A storehouse or building for threshed grain, often indicating agricultural wealth and stability.
Example:
The presence of a large granary within a historical site like Great Zimbabwe suggests its importance as a center for food storage and distribution, vital for sustaining a large population.
Scramble for Africa
The rapid invasion, occupation, division, and colonization of African territory by European powers during the late 19th century.
Example:
The Scramble for Africa dramatically reshaped the continent's political landscape, leading to the imposition of European borders and governance.
Syncretism
The blending of different religious or cultural beliefs and practices, often resulting in new forms of expression.
Example:
Many African communities demonstrate syncretism by incorporating Christian or Islamic elements into their traditional spiritual practices, creating unique hybrid belief systems.
Toron
Protruding wooden beams found in the architecture of the Great Mosque of Djenné, serving both as scaffolding for maintenance and as decorative elements.
Example:
The distinctive toron on the facade of the Great Mosque of Djenné not only add to its unique aesthetic but also provide practical support for its annual re-plastering ceremony.