Styles & Periods

Styles & Periods

African Art

The term "African art" encompasses the various artworks of more than 50 distinct nations and a period of more than a millennium. Africa includes cultures that have been non-literate up until a few generations ago, and those who have been reading and writing Arabic for nine hundred years. The African landscapes range from arid deserts to lush river valleys. Many African cultures prefer a nomadic or semi-settled lifestyle; others have erected large palaces - such as those in 16th century Benin. African arts exhibit no less variety. Rock art has been produced in Africa from 25,000 B.C.E. up to the 19th century. Textiles, scarification, jewelry, painting, sculpture, architecture, and festival arts (such as masquerade) all have an established place in the African arts arena. Art-making is commonly divided along gender lines, though collaborative art is usual as well, and the accomplishments of individual artists, while recognized, are generally not given as much prominence as in the West. Another commonality among the diversity of African art is its primacy in African cultures. Rather than serving merely to adorn, arts in Africa are part of the ideology and cultural construction of societies. A distinction is seldom made between the so-called "fine" and "applied" arts; indeed, most African languages have no word for "art" as it is expressed in the West, indicating the seamless integration of art into the lives of African peoples. "Objects" of art in Africa derive meaning, even as they imbue meaning, contextually; the way a mask, for example, is perceived will change drastically depending on the perspective of the viewer as spectator, wearer, buyer or collector.


Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

From $14.99

Mars® Lumograph Pure Graphite

by Staedtler

Entirely woodless, full graphite pencil.

At Least 39% Off

Fine Art Graphite Pencils (Each)

by Cretacolor

Great for all drawing applications.

At Least 39% Off

Professional Acrylic Colours

by Winsor & Newton

Unrivalled colour brilliance

Up to 48% Off

MG Underpainting White

by Grumbacher

Perfect tooth for less

At Least 39% Off

Artists' Oil Colours

by Winsor & Newton

Our best selling oil paint--artist recommended

Up to 50% Off

Latest Product Reviews
Works great for releasing our aluminum and silicone molds and casting urethane parts. Note: Don't try to use for releasing silicone molds if casting silicone parts into them.
- Chris Andersen in Mountain Green, Utah
The coated wire is exactly what I needed for my fused glass holiday tree ornaments. Communication was excellent, shipping was prompt, and wire arrived in good condition. Thanks so much!
- Chemel in Greenville, NC
I love these Stickles but, they get clogged once in a great while. But I do have fun with these! Beautiful!
- Jenn in Milwaukee Wisconsin
Free Download for Kids

Download free coloring book pages Download FREE coloring
book pages to color at
home or school.

View Pages »