African Art, 1100–1980 CE

Art styles in both Africa and Europe varied primarily by nation.

Art styles in Africa varied primarily by nation, while in Europe they differed dramatically even between neighboring villages.

Art styles in Africa differed dramatically even between neighboring villages due to varied religious, ethnic, and linguistic factors, while in Europe art styles often vary by nation.

There was no significant difference in the factors influencing art styles between Africa and Europe.

It promoted the preservation of traditional African art forms.

It led to increased funding for African artists.

It resulted in European colonization of Africa, impacting cultural and artistic production.

It had no impact on African art or culture.

Ashlar masonry

Use of concrete

Toron and ostrich eggs

Large-scale figurative sculpture

It led to uniform art styles across the continent.

It encouraged the rapid spread of artistic traditions.

It acted as natural barriers, leading to localized art styles.

It had no significant impact on art styles.

The rejection of traditional African religions in favor of Christianity.

The blending of traditional beliefs with Christianity and Islam.

The strict adherence to traditional African religions without any external influence.

The complete replacement of traditional religions with Islam.

It was universally rejected by African rulers.

It led to the complete abandonment of traditional practices.

It resulted in new, syncretic forms of religious expression.

It had no impact on the religious practices of the time.

Adobe

Wood

Granite

Concrete

The use of concrete, similar to Roman architecture.

The use of mud bricks, similar to Mesopotamian ziggurats.

The precisely cut stones held together without mortar, a unique feature in early African history.

The large-scale figurative sculptures integrated into the walls, similar to Egyptian temples.

Granite

Adobe

Marble

Wood

They are purely decorative and have no symbolic meaning.

They serve as structural supports for the mosque.

The toron are used for scaffolding during annual re-plastering, and the ostrich eggs symbolize fertility and purity.

They represent the wealth and power of the kingdom.