African Art, 1100–1980 CE

Function strictly as historical records retaining information regarding past events related to social hierarchy.

Use solely for entertainment purposes displaying artistic craftsmanship without significant social implications.

Influence behavior by channeling spiritual forces considered critical for maintaining communal harmony.

Display expressions of individual identity thus promoting personal stories over collective experiences.

To display the wealth and historical narratives of the Oba (king).

To serve as everyday household items for the citizens.

To function as religious texts for educational purposes.

To be traded with European visitors as currency.

It allows for insertion of materials that activate spiritual potency.

It signifies high status through rare material usage.

It makes them durable enough for outdoor communal spaces.

It reflects light to highlight its divine nature.

As navigational aids embodying cardinal directions on voyages.

As containers of spiritual forces that could be activated for protection or healing.

As mere artistic expressions without any ritualistic significance.

For diplomatic gifts exchanged between rival tribes to ensure peace.

Sapi-Portuguese ivories focus on depictions of daily life unaltered by European influence unlike the religious themes depicted in saltcellars.

Unlike Sapi-Portuguese ivories which prioritize functionality over style, saltcellars maintain purely decorative attributes influenced by European tastes.

Both exhibit a complete assimilation of African art motifs into Portuguese styles without any visible intersection of cultural elements.

Sapi-Portuguese ivories combine local carving techniques with European forms, whereas saltcellars feature more explicit Portuguese iconography integrated into African forms.

To seek influence in the conception and physical attributes of future children.

To be made purely as recreational toys for young girls to practice caregiving skills.

To be worn solely as fashion accessories or ceremonial attire enhancements.

To be intended to ward off evil spirits in the home by wielding protective magic.

Wood.

Terracotta.

Stone.

Bronze.

To signify areas where common people were prohibited from entering.

To document historical events and glorify the Oba (king).

To act as protective charms against invaders' attacks on palaces.

To offer educational narratives to commoners visiting the palace.

As purely decorative items used to embellish homes during ceremonies.

To serve as a medium for communication with ancestors or spirits.

To signify the wealth and status of the wearer within the community.

To record historical events and leaders' achievements on its surface.

As a means to honor ancestral spirits through dedication of valuable resources.

Solely for improving trade relations by displaying resource abundance outwardly.

To demonstrate technological advancements in material processing techniques locally.

To symbolize divine authority and wealth associated with leadership roles.