African Sculpture

 Most African sculpture is not originally created to be sold in the marketplace, yet is often intended to commemorate an important event, portray religious values, or make some sort of political statement. As such, aesthetic qualities are not adjudged to be of the utmost importance in African sculpture, rather the statement that the work of art made is what is valued.

               The most common forms of African sculpture generally represent the human form, much like the African wood sculpture in this exhibit. The portrayal of the human form is not necessarily proportional, but often strives to emphasize or even overemphasize specific bodily characteristics that the sculptor wishes to discuss in the work.

               Many art critics describe African sculpture, such as the one found in this exhibit, as monumental due to the manner its was carved from the wood and the proportion of the piece. Often the figures are not completely free from the wood in which they were carved. In other words, a freedom of movement is not possible, instead the figure has a look of heavy permanence.

               Wood is one of the most popular materials used in African sculpture. The popularity of wood can be partially explained by the fact that it can be found in abundance. In addition, wood is a popular material generally because, in a culture where sculpting tools are often not very advanced, it is much more malleable than other sculpting materials.

               The African sculpture in this exhibit is typical of the general qualities of African sculpture discussed above. What is more, it is largely representative of African sculpture in general in that the sculpture is wood, deals with the human form, and may be religious in nature. Specifically, the wood carving is a Sudanese Totem Pole. The entire piece is approximately two and a half feet tall and made of a light colored wood. The top half of the Totem Pole is a female figure. This figure is nude and its sexuality is emphasized. The figure's hands are covering its pelvic area and the breasts are prominent. This specific sculpture may be religious because it is apparently devoted to fertility in its representation of the human form and is sexual and reproductive capabilities, which is a common theme in African religion and art. Lastly, because the figure is not separated from the wood pole, the figure seems to possess a monumental quality despite its relatively small size. In this way, the Totem Pole creates a feeling of permanence within the viewer, as it projects a timeless quality.