Body and Being in African Art

The human body is the center of artistic creation in African art.

Whether literally represented, referred to abstractly, or adorned with jewelry, clothing, or headwear, the body and its outer appearance is seen as a reflection of an individual’s inner being—their character, health, and social belonging.

This presentation of more than 50 objects from our Arts of Africa collection showcases shared beliefs and values surrounding the body across the continent and how these ideas find distinct and diverse cultural expression. Produced and used in the 19th and 20th century, these objects represent practices both past and present that mark important moments for both the individual and community, such as birth, death, transitions from childhood to adulthood, and communication with the otherworld.

Importantly, these objects are ones that are made not to be simply looked at, but used and lived with, interacted with, even altered, animated, and brought to life. Indeed, in traditional African societies, the arts were, and often still are, typically “for life’s sake” rather than “for art’s sake.”

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website